2 comments about Mary Cassatt: Oils and Pastels (Watson-Guptill Famous Artists).

1. Mary Cassatt was truly a pioneer in the art world, paving the way for women to branch out beyond the "female domain." Her art career began in 1872, when her first painting was exhibited in Paris. During her career, she was deeply appreciated in France, but largely ignored in her native United States, even though she received her artist's training in Philadelphia.
   This book is a collection of her work and if they knew nothing about the artist, most people would be able to determine that the artist was female. Most of the scenes in the book depict a woman doing something typical of women in the nineteenth century. Women are holding children, giving them baths; children are posing for portraits or women attending social events. In the rare occasions that men appear, they are doing "men work" and are extraneous to the action.
   One of the true trailblazers of the women's movement, Cassatt herself never realized the significance of her achievements. Shortly before her death in 1926, she was quoted as saying, "After all, a woman's vocation in life is to bear children." However, despite her thoughts she did break an enormous amount of new ground in the changing role of women. By demonstrating that women could create quality art, she helped make it possible for women to gain opportunities in all walks of life. This book is a sound tribute to that fact.



2. The book I received had a different cover, but I ordered the book in "very good condition."
   It must be an earlier print run of the same book, same author, same publisher.
   The size of art and layout of each painting is good.
   The author's comments were interesting and helpful in viewing Cassatt's art.
   It is easy to see the other impressionist's influence on Cassatt and her art.

No comments about Mary Cassatt: Prints and Drawings from the Collection of Ambroise Vollard.

4 comments about Baby Loves.

1. This book is beautifully composed with the works of artist Mary Cassat. Each page has two simple words that describe a painting on the following page, making it suitable for the younger child as well as older child. Each of the paintings are of a mother and a child. The book begins with Baby Sits, Baby Stands, Baby Looks, Baby Hands and ending with Baby Hugs, Baby Kisses, Baby Loves. My 14 mo old is mesmorized by this book. She wants to read it every morning when she wakes up, at the very least. She started doing the baby sign that we had been teaching her with the pages that she knew the signs for such as drinks and reads. She also kisses and hugs us or her "Lovie" on the Baby Kisses/Hugs pages. Now she says "baby" and signs for book when she wants to read Baby Loves. My husband and I have been amazed at how much of an impact this one book has had on our daughter. Baby Loves is a wonderful way to introduce your child to the arts as well as promote language and attention to detail. The Metropolitan Museum of Art has done wonders with this book. There is also a very nice, classical piano Baby Loves CD to go with it. "Thank you" to the Welchs for such a special gift!



2. "Baby Loves" is so beautiful you can put it on your coffee table. And it makes a lovely gift for baby or a preschool child. Magnificent reproductions by impressionist artist Mary Cassatt are paired with simple two word poems. The artist is best known for her paintings portraying the love between mothers and their children. The images - paintings, prints and pastels - accompany short rhymes about a baby's daily activities, such as drinking milk, napping, feeding ducks and hugging.
   
   William Lach wrote the book, and the illustrations are from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, collection. There are 16 pages of paintings, each with its own description. In one picture a mother and child are cuddling with the words, "Baby cuddles." The simple, easy to understand language and powerful artwork make this an ideal book for small children. (Newborn and up). This would also make a wonderful gift for a new mother - or any mother. I just gave it to a friend who recently had her first child and she loves it - apropos of the title. The book also includes facts about the artwork. "Baby Loves" won a "Child Magazine Best Book 2003 Award" and is one of the most exquisite children's books I have seen in a long time. Highly recommended!
   JANA



3. What a beautiful book! We found this at the library when my daughter was about a year old, and realized (after repeatedly renewing it) that it was a wonderful book to own. The pictures are, of course, mesmerizing (great for adults during the constant rereading phase). The text is easy for both my daughter and me to memorize, so we can even enjoy it when we are out and about. It's become our favorite birth gift to give, as it's reasonably priced through Amazon. My daughter is now three, and continues to enjoy it. I can see it being a great reading tool soon, due to the repetition and picture clues. Enjoy!



4. This is one my 6 month old wants again and again. She is fascinated by all the babies and mamas. The reproductions of Cassatt's works are very high quality and the simple text makes it perfect for bedtime.

No comments about Color Your Own Mary Cassatt Masterpieces (Coloring Books).

5 comments about Mary Cassatt: A Life.

1. I highly recommend as a MUST READ this book Mary Cassatt: A Life. by Nancy Mowll Mathews. The book is a fascinating not only of the life of Mary Cassatt but for the insights on the art circles, family life and historical context of these artists and the times in which they lived. Mary Cassatt was a mover and shaker of her times, with good social skills and a mind for business. You travel with her life and times as if you were present. From my perspective I am so happy that I happened on this book because it puts alot of bits and pieces together on these artists.

   Deborah Chapin




2. Nancy Mathews gets to the point... her book is wonderfully researched and weaves through the intricately woven fabric of Cassatt's life; yet she doesn't bog you down with too many details. I enjoyed every page of this book and felt like I got an honest portrayal of the woman, her art and the reasons behind the decisions she made. I especially thank Nancy for her sympathetic yet analytical overview of the many misunderstandings that have been perpetuated year after year about Cassatt and other women artists in the late 19th/early 20th century. I'm glad to know the truth.

   This biography left me in awe of Mary Cassatt who was obviously a focused, smart and privileged person at a time when many male artists were barely making ends meet. She was unafraid of the establishment, outspoken and determined, not to mention a smart businesswoman. The only thing I disagree with is when the author states that at 51 Mary Cassatt "was faced with an unusually hard burden of loneliness." Mary Cassatt was blessed with many friends, family and admirers and moved in a great many social circles all her life. She rarely veered from her chosen path. But the greatest lesson we can learn from Ms. Cassatt is to stay focused on our life purpose and to honour our own lives with the best we can give of ourselves.




3. Ms. Mathews presents Mary Cassatt's entire life and incorporates little known details about her travels and associations with friends and family. She mixes facts, anecdotes and reflections on society in such an easily readable way that even her suppositions could be viewed as gospel truth. The (hardcover) book is well illustrated with historical photographs and black and white illustrations of Cassatt's and her contemporaries' work. The author makes numerous points regarding what motivated and inspired the artist at different periods in her life. She gives very specific illustrations of how difficult life could be for a woman of Cassatt's time. Additionally, the author admits Mary Cassatt's opinions and outspokenness often got her in trouble with friends. Those friendships she was able to maintain were based on a mutual, professional respect. Included is a chapter about the artist's work in an historical context. Her work was viewed differently by critics, and herself, at different times. Nancy Mowell Mathews book gives so much life to the artist's character, I wouldn't be surprised if it's made into a movie! It is certainly motivation for any working woman.



4. Despite Mary Cassatt's continuing resurgence in popularity as an artist since the 1970s, prior to this volume her biographers had missed the boat. As a result, most people who admire Ms. Cassatt's wonderful paintings are filled with inaccurate beliefs about her life and the condition of women artists during her life. If you care enough about her work to want to correct those mistaken beliefs, please do read this volume. You'll also learn even more if you follow that reading by also looking at Cassatt: A Retrospective by the same author, Nancy Mowll Mathews.
   
   Mary Cassatt is an elusive subject for several reasons. She didn't write many letters, often didn't care what others thought of her and wasn't written about by others nearly as often as she deserved. In addition, her role as an iconic woman pioneer in the Impressionist movement has caused many to "interpret" her life to explain other agendas.
   
   The reality is much more interesting than the misinformation. At a young age, she was exposed to the leading cultural events in Europe . . . a rarity for any American. Her mother was probably one of the most intelligent and capable women of her generation anywhere. The family moved around constantly in rented homes to stay close to the various children and business opportunities. Only after her father's death was Ms. Cassatt able to purchase and enjoy a home. Contrary to popular belief today, it wasn't at all unusual for women to pursue painting careers. In fact, the Louvre was full of American women painting copies of the masterpieces there. What was unusual was for a woman to be viewed as the peer of the best male artists. Ms. Cassatt clearly reached that pinnacle during her Impressionist years and beyond. Much to her own disgust, she let herself be led into painting the mother and child paintings that we all love so much by the marketing plans of her gallery . . . rather than her own passion. Although profitable, this path was in her view a diversion from her better work. Paradoxically, Ms. Cassatt's two bothers were even more famous in their day than she was . . . even though we have barely heard of them today. Her older brother was, in fact, one of the most important railroad developers in the eastern United States. As head of the Pennsylvania Railroad, he directed the development of the railroad tunnel into Manhattan.
   
   Ms. Mathews does a nice job of balancing what is known from what is not . . . while pointing out what the possibilities were. As a result of this biography, I felt I knew the real Mary Cassatt for the first time.
   
   Bravo, Ms. Mathews!



5. Mary Cassatt is a true American treasure. This is an enjoyable, and thoroughly researched biography about her. It is not only well-written, but it is full of wonderful and historic photos of Mary, her paintings, her friends, and her family throughout her life.

1 comments about Mary Cassatt: Paintings and Prints.

1. She called herself one of the Independents. The world remembers her as the Impressionist who painted "The Boating Party," the choice for a first-class U.S. postage stamp and one of the most widely reproduced paintings. She was behind America's first purchase of Impressionist art: a Degas painting. In fact, friend and mentor Edgar Degas advised her on the farther window light and floor for "Little Girl in an Armchair" and praised "Girl Arranging her Hair," the Japanese woodblock print inspired "Bath," and "Mother and Boy."

   The book's first plate, "The Bacchante," lets viewers know what MARY CASSATT: PAINTINGS AND PRINTS were all about: women communicating with others and hinting at states of mind behind beautifully lighted and shaded fabrics, such as "Woman with a Red Zinnia"; flesh, such as the swiftly scribbled modeling to "Mother, Young Daughter and Son"; and furnishings, such as the Opera House banquette and chandelier ovals taking up the ovals from the figure and reflected figure of her sister "Lydia Leaning on her Arms, Seated in a Loge." Art critic and historian Frank Getlein backs his well-written text with 72 well-chosen plates. His book and Griselda Pollock's MARY CASSATT: PAINTER OF MODERN WOMEN give the perfect examples for Michel Melot's THE IMPRESSIONIST PRINT, Paul Smith's IMPRESSIONISM, Gary Tinterow's ORIGINS OF IMPRESSIONISM, and Helene Barbara Weinberg et al's AMERICAN IMPRESSIONISM AND REALISM.

1 comments about Suzette and the Puppy: A Story About Mary Cassatt (Young Readers).

1. Nice book about an event in a little girl's life that introduces the child to Mary Cassatt and "Nipper," the dog.

5 comments about Lydia Cassatt Reading the Morning Paper.

1. This review is based upon the unabridged audio CD version of this novel. I'm never clear about why an author who is not trained in expressive narration would choose to record his/her own book. In my experience, it's not very successful, and such things are best left to professionals. Lydia Cassatt is no great exception. The author's voice is childish in tone and pitch, and distracts from rather than adds to the story. That said, about halfway through this version, I came to feel that the voice rather fit Lydia's character. She was the unknown sister of an artist whose fame was increasing year by year. She was struggling to come to terms with her illness and her own mortality. That Lydia's family so loved her was undoubtedly a factor in her ability to do so. The factual accuracy of this story is less important than the opportunity to watch and listen to Lydia as she might have faced her fatal problem. Her grace, intelligence, and moral strength as depicted by Chessman are inspiring. This is a lovely work of art that stands on its own.



2. An easy read if you appreciate art. I liked that it tried to describe each painting and even showed them in the book. It really took me back to that time. This was a well written flowing book.



3. I loved this book and sorry I didn't know about this author sooner but happy someone told me about this title. Lydia Cassatt, is Mary Cassatt's older sister who suffers with Bright's Disease. Mary paints her sister in several paintings and each chapter brings the painting to life with story and life in the Cassatt household.
   
   Beautiful writing and really makes me want to visit the art gallery. There are 5 plates of the paintings within the book to reinforce the image with the chapters ~ really good and short enough to read in one sitting.



4. Eh.
   
   I really hate it when I get excited over a book and then it bores me senseless. That's what this one did. Bummer.
   
   Usually, when I write a review, I say something along the lines of "it was well written but.." and usually, what I mean by that is "I didn't really like it much, but I understand what the author was trying to do.." or something to that affect.
   
   In the case of this book, I understand that the author was writing a fictional work about the Impressionist painter, Mary Cassatt. Now, either Mary Cassatt was the most boring person in the history of existance or this author just doesn't posess the knack for storytelling.
   
   To me, the book was not only boring, but unfocused and abrupt. It details the process of five paintings; and devles into the relationship between Mary and her model; her sister Lydia, who is very ill and dying. While the book does touch upon their relationship, it doesn't go deep enough..there are other characters that are introduced who soon disappear leaving the reader wondering "so who is this? how do they know him? oh wait, it doesn't matter, because now he's gone from the story." A total feeling of dissatisfaction.
   
   Generally, I like the historical art fiction novels. Not so much this one. I've said it before, but if you're looking for something in this genre, pick up something by Tracy Chevalier or Susan Vreeland..they're wonderful.



5. A lovely novel(la) that provides a glimpse into the lives of Mary Cassatt and her sister Lydia, at a period when Lydia's illness makes time fleeting and precious. The author eschews the usual narrative format in favor of a structure and style that come across as truly Impressionist--giving the reader tantalizing images without spelling out the entire story beginning to end. The reader is invited to fill in the rest. The language is rich, the details carefully chosen for maximum impact. An excellent read for lovers of Impressionist painting.

2 comments about Mary Cassatt: Family Pictures (Smart About Art).

1. I thought this book was really charming and that its combination of prints by Mary Cassatt and the line drawings of the child who is telling the story made this very appealing to me. But I am an adult and don't know how a child would react to this. Perhaps I can field test it on a great-niece.



2. This is a wonderful book about Mary Cassatt. It is done from the perspective of a child who admires Mary Cassatt paintings and is in the process of learning more about her. She even copies some of her paintings in photography and drawings. Very sweet and helpful in motivating a child about painting or learning more about painters. They no longer have to fear being a nerd, learning about painting is cool!

2 comments about Mary Cassatt (Getting to Know the World's Greatest Artists).

1. "... she seemed to understand the love between mothers and their babies better than any other artist", p. 26.

   The young reader will learn about Cassatt's early years in Pennsylvania, her family moving to France for two years when she was 7, her years at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, and her moving to France at the age of 22 to learn more about art.

   Cassatt's paintings have a current day presence to them. Regardless of how far we as a society progress, most children will be lovingly cared for by their parents. She captured the mothers and fathers in a relaxed state with their children going about their every day activities. Children will readily relate to the paintings given their own very recent experiences. The young are very sensitive to feelings. The warmth expressed in the paintings will easily be absorbed by their delicate nature. They will come away from the book with a warm tummy feeling.

   My favorite painting in the book is Cassatt's "Little Girl in a Blue Armchair," painted in 1878. It remains contemporary. It could be any one of my nieces or even myself. When I was young, my mother used to make me dress up for family functions to which I agreed if I could bring my play clothes with me. This picture reminds me of what I must have looked like until I could change into my play clothes.

   Venezia's illustrations are humorous. His narrative is delightfully entertaining. His approach brings the artist within reach of the young. His re-enactment of why Mary joined the impressionist group pokes fun at the upheaval they caused.

   The size of the book is perfect for smaller hands. It enables the young to have art within their grasp. Venezia gives the locations of the paintings and as result if the child lives near one of the museums or will be near one on vacation, she/he would be able to see the original.

   This is the 6th in Venezia's "Getting to know the World's Greatest Artist" series. He also has a similar series on composers. Venezia's back cover illustration ties back to the subject. "Working on Mary Cassatt inspired Mike to paint his own family's portraits, capturing ...".

   The price of the book is well worth paying. The book contains the following: Cassatt's paintings (17) and print (1), Venezia's illustrations - 7, Others' paintings - 4.




2. Mary Cassatt was a true master when painting mothers and their children. Mike Venezia's book captures her life and work beautifully. This series on artists is so educational, I have bought the entire series for my brother's children. I first saw them in the gift shop of the Virginia Museum and have enjoyed them ever since.