Monet and the Birth of Impressionism /

Using Claude Monet (1840-1926) as the focal point, the Städel Museum (Frankfurt, Germany) presents a well-researched illustrated history of the birth of the impressionist movement published in conjunction with its recent exhibition, Monet and the Birth of Impressionism. Impressionism was born in the early 1860s when four painters-Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Alfred Sisley, and Frédéric -Bazille-met while studying art. They shared an interest in expressing landscapes and contemporary life in natural light and breaking away from the rigid methods previously adhered to by established artists. Essays trace the development of the movement over a 20-year period. From Bazille to Félix Ziem, 23 artists are presented. More than 100 color plates and illustrations visually document the history of impressionism. The essays included are written by experts in the field, including editor Krämer (head of modern art, Städel Museum), and explicate the progress of the movement. VERDICT This lovely catalog offers an entertaining context in which to appreciate impressionism.-Sandra Knowles, South Carolina State Lib., Columbia © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.