Impressionist and post-impressionist paintings in Soviet museums /

This is primarily a picture book; it provides high-quality reproductions of the numerous impressionist and postimpressionist paintings that are currently in Soviet museums. Because many important works from this period were collected by Sergei Shchukin and Ivan Morozov and became the core of the permanent holdings of the Pushkin Museum and the Hermitage, this book is a welcomed reference source for academic libraries. There have been previous exhibitions of sections from these holdings, which have traveled in this country, but this is the only single volume to include such a large selection from this crucial time in art history. A brief introductory text traces the history of these collections and comments on the various artists represented; it is of value for a general audience only. The catalog of works, which concludes the book, is more detailed but still of only general interest. No attempt is made to discuss the impact of these works in Russia, nor does the book offer any information on the collectors. There is little here for the scholar, but a great deal for the general public. Judged solely as a picture book, both the quality of images and importance of the paintings make this a valuable addition to any library. The only minor flaw is that a few works are reproduced on double pages, which ruins the image because of the gutter of the book.-T.F. Mitchell, University of Kansas

Thanks largely to two Russian connoisseurs, the Soviet Union possesses marvels of Impressionist and post-Impressionist paintings and drawings. The private collections of Muscovites Ivan Morozov and Sergei Shchukin, who bought extensively of modern French art of the late 1860s through the early 20th century, formed the nucleus of the famed Hermitage of Leningrad and Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, Moscow. In this handsome volume, three Russian experts in European art, all associated as curators with the museums, write meticulously and authoritatively (in the introduction and catalog) about the works of art. The 294 fine color plates that make up the bulk of the book attest to the intense Russian interest in the new and revolutionary French art. Primarily for academic collections. Gloria K. Rensch, formerly with Vigo Cty. P.L., Terre Haute, Ind. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.