How to Read an Impressionist Painting

(Paperback)

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How to Read an Impressionist Painting is a new, original exploration of the 19th-century art movement that changed art for ever, and made household names of such painters as Monet, Renoir, Degas, Seurat, Cassatt and others.

James Rubin organizes this book by subject matter, rather than by artist or chronologically, looking at urban views and city life, interiors and still life, family and friends, and other common themes. In discussing Impressionism in this manner, he provides readers with the tools to think critically and analytically about the movement, and offers a new understanding of the collective momentum that drove the impressionists to work with such originality and commitment to modern themes.

Through close readings and comparisons of specific paintings, and with a wealth of illustrations, Rubin establishes links between the broad visual culture of the time period and the various Impressionist artists, and within the artists' own careers. The entire history of Impressionism is covered, in an entirely new way.

Reviews

'Beautiful fascinating perfect as preparation for a visit to a gallery and an inspiration to see more art' - Good Book Guide

Author Bio

James Henry Rubin is an art historian specializing in the history, theory and criticism of nineteenth-century European art, especially that of France. He is currently Professor of Art History at The State University of New York at Stony Brook, where he was department chair for fifteen years.