Faces of impressionism : portraits from American collections /

Occasioned by a cleverly titled exhibition of Impressionist portraits in American collections, Johnston's (Baltimore Museum of Art) attractive catalog has value for those unable to view the 59 works on display, as well as for visitors to the galleries. Despite the surfeit of current attention to Impressionism, this aspect of that heritage has not hitherto been singled out for special viewing. A stimulating introduction by John House (Cortauld Institute of Art, Univ. of London) explores the historical contexts of that side of the Impressionist agenda, and the innovations disclosed as each painter sought to capture personally some essence of a "modernity" that preoccupied them all, yet also to satisfy the special challenges posed by portraiture. His comments on distinctions that may be drawn between portraiture and genre painting are especially useful in this regard. Paul Valery's elegant little essay "On Portraiture" is also included. Notices on the works exhibited constitute the bulk of the text. They are clearly written and informative, particularly in the inclusion of a selection of comparative material that enhances the meaning of the exhibition at hand. Some may find the role of Cassatt overemphasized, but that balance of representation doubtless reflects practical as well as personal considerations of the organizers. Well illustrated. All levels. F. A. Trapp emeritus, Amherst College