What Makes a Monet a Monet? - Softcover

Gr. 6-12. Each volume in this new series introduces an artist and his work. As the titles imply, M{ }uhlberger discusses the idiosyncratic elements of picture-making that signify an artist's style, but this comes only after the presentation of biographical material and an analysis of many paintings. The art is beautifully reproduced in full color and intelligently discussed in terms of technique, composition, meaning, historical background, and the conventions of the times. Monet, for example, begins with a few pages on his family, his training, and his goals as an artist. Then, in a series of three- to five-page sections, the book introduces individual subjects and paintings chronologically, discussing the pictures as well as what moved Monet to paint the poppy field at Argenteuil, Gare Saint-Lazare, sunflowers, haystacks, Rouen Cathedral, and the water lilies at Giverney. The final two pages summarize "what makes a Monet a Monet." Although the grade range above indicates a likely readership for the series, anyone who wants a basic introduction written without condescension should enjoy these beautifully designed books. Also they are good choices for school "picture persons." Carolyn Phelan