Cassatt, Mary

Average customer rating:

didn't live up to my expectations
perfect for a Sunday afternoon read
An easy read if you appreciate art.
Lydia LaBelle
Love's Wishes

Lydia Cassatt Reading the Morning Paper
Harriet Scott Chessman
Manufacturer: Plume
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0452283507

Book Description

Readers will be transported to the vibrant art scene of late nineteenth-century Paris in this richly textured portrait of the relationship between Mary Cassatt and her sister Lydia.

Beginning in the autumn of 1878, Lydia Cassatt Reading the Morning Paper dreams its way into the intimate world of Cassatt's older sibling. Told in the reflective, lyrical voice of Lydia, who is dying of Bright's disease, the novel opens a window onto the extraordinary age in which these sisters lived, painting its sweeping narrative canvas with fascinating real-life figures that include Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Edgar Degas, Cassatt's brilliant, subversive mentor.

Featuring five full-color plates of Cassatt's paintings, this is a moving and illuminating exploration of the illusive nature of art and desire, memory and mortality, romantic and familial love.

Customer Reviews:

didn't live up to my expectations.......2006-10-09

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.

perfect for a Sunday afternoon read.......2006-04-03

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.

An easy read if you appreciate art........2006-03-28

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.

Lydia LaBelle.......2005-08-01

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.

Love's Wishes.......2004-10-08

As an artist, I especially enjoyed the descriptions of the processes of painting and posing for important Mary Cassatt portraits of her beloved sister, Lydia.

As a reader,I found this simple tale of a beautiful love between two sisters delightful, 162 pages of sheer fulfillment.

Imagine the brilliance of Harriet Scott Chessman in bringing you into the mind and heart of Lydia Cassatt, sharing her intimate thoughts about her sister, life, love, her illness and her feelings for Edgar Degas and his for her. Hear her speak of how life cheated her and blessed her. Travel with her as she comes to terms with the joys open to her, the service open to her, the love open to her.

If it isn't enough to gain this rare entrance into another's life, consider that you are in Paris and you are invited to share the wonders of a family who had Edgar Degas, Pierre-August Renoir, Louise and May Alcott in their lives. See what you learn about the Alcott family and Edgar Degas.

Most of all, just enjoy with Lydia a slice of her life and wish her well into the hereafter.

Average customer rating:

Eye of the Independent

Mary Cassatt: Paintings and Prints
Frank Getlein
Manufacturer: Abbeville Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0896591557

Customer Reviews:

Eye of the Independent.......2001-05-19

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."

Book Description

Mary Cassatt is most famous for her paintings of mothers and babies, and that's what first attracts "Claire" because she has a new baby sister. But through research for her class report Claire learns many surprising facts about Mary: she was an American who lived in France nearly all her life, she never married or had children herself, and she became a professional artist at a time when respectable ladies simply did not do that! With beautiful reproductions of Mary Cassatt's best-loved paintings as well as lively childlike pictures that illustrate her life, this Smart About Art book gives children a wonderful "portrait" of a great artist and fascinating woman.

Illustrated by Jennifer Kalis.

Customer Reviews:

Charming introduction to Mary Cassatt.......2004-02-07

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.

Cassatt for Kids (The Great Art for Kids Series)

Average customer rating:

Art for kids and adults
Just Right

Cassatt for Kids (The Great Art for Kids Series)
Margaret E. Hyde
Manufacturer: Budding Artists
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Board book

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ASIN: 1888108002

Customer Reviews:

Art for kids and adults.......2005-10-14

The books suggest this series for infants to 3, but we find that our 3 yr. old grandson responds better now than when he was younger. We love these books.

Just Right.......2001-02-28

Finally, a children's art book that is printed well. Most kids art books are printed on cheap paper and full of cartoons. They miss the point. Visual Art is all about the nuances of color and light. That means glossy paper and good print job. This book goes beyond that - it is bound on carboard with smudge proof coatings. Perfect for small hands.

Book Description

Little Suzette and her nursemaid enjoy daily walks in the handsome park near their home. Often, they see a tall, elegant lady strolling in the park with her tiny puppy. Then, a comical incident transforms Suzette and the puppy into friends. The time and place of this gentle story is Paris in the 1870s, when many fine artists were creating the exciting approach to painting called Impressionism. As it happens, little Suzette's Uncle Edgar is one of those artists. He is the famous Edgar Degas. One day, Uncle Edgar sends an artist to paint Suzette's picture. Imagine Suzette's surprise, when the artist turns out to be the tall lady from the park! And imagine Suzette's delight when the little puppy comes with her! The result of this enchanting meeting lives on to this day in an art masterpiece. For the woman was the major American artist, Mary Cassatt. Her painting of Suzette and the little dog, known as The Little Girl in the Blue Armchair, now hangs in the National Gallery of Art, in Washington, D.C. Among this book's many beautiful full-color illustrations is a reproduction of the story's painting.

Customer Reviews:

Charming story about an artist, a little girl, and a dog.......2007-05-07

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

Mary Cassatt (Getting to Know the World's Greatest Artists)

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What a Wonderful Book for Children
Cassatt's paint'g leaves the young with a warm tummy feeling

Mary Cassatt (Getting to Know the World's Greatest Artists)
Mike Venezia
Manufacturer: Children's Press (CT)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0516422782

Customer Reviews:

What a Wonderful Book for Children.......2002-03-31

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.

Cassatt's paint'g leaves the young with a warm tummy feeling.......2000-06-11

"... 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.

Child's Book of Lullabies, A
Average customer rating:

Songs for Sleeping

A Calming Night Time Routine

Child's Book of Lullabies, A

Manufacturer: Dk Pub (T)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0789415070

Customer Reviews:

Songs for Sleeping.......2001-10-31

There are perhaps few sounds more beautiful, than the sound of a mother's voice as she sings to her children. As the pictures capture the loving relationship between parent and child, the lullabies provide a way for parents to provide warmth and comfort.

Research has shown that children who are sung to early in life, will speak and read slightly earlier than other children who do not have this wonderful nurturing experience in their lives.

As a child, I remember my mother's beautiful voice (she used to sing in the choir at her father's church) and would often fall asleep when my father read stories to me. I would ask him questions, just so he would keep on talking. The soothing sound of my parents voices made me feel that all was well in the world.

The art in this book captures that feeling of safety and love. You can start to sing these songs to your baby and as they grow, they can look at the pictures.

The art of Mary Cassatt is sure to leave an impression! A one page biography is included for your reading enjoyment.

Another way to enjoy singing, is to sing together as a family at Christmas. I just have to remember not to sit next to my one brother, who always tells me jokes or sings the wrong words and has me laughing so much, I can hardly sing.

Sometimes I wish I was little again. Just so I could hear my mother sing lullabies to me. Often she does greet me in a sing-song fashion, which is always entertaining.

A Calming Night Time Routine.......2000-10-19

My sons and I have enjoyed sharing this book with each other for the last three years. They love to crawl up in my lap and sing the lullabies while we gaze at the beautiful pictures of mother and child. My sons love to talk about and relate to the unique expressions and interactions of the mother with her children in each picture. I love the calming lullabies and the paintings of Mary Cassatt. I give this book as a gift to all of my friends who have just become new mothers.

Mary Cassatt: Oils and Pastels (Watson-Guptill Famous Artists)

Average customer rating:

A collection of the work of a trailblazing female artist

Mary Cassatt: Oils and Pastels (Watson-Guptill Famous Artists)
E. John Bullard
Manufacturer: Watson-Guptill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Mary Cassatt

ASIN: 0823005704

Customer Reviews:

A collection of the work of a trailblazing female artist.......2006-12-30

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.

Mary Cassatt: Pride, Passion and a Kingdom Lost (Universe's Quiet Moments)

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Mary Cassatt: Pride, Passion and a Kingdom Lost (Universe's Quiet Moments)
Barbara Shapiro
Manufacturer: Universe Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Book Description

This intimate collection of the work of Mary Cassatt, America's greatest impressionist, is published to coincide with a major exhibition with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the National Gallery of Arts, Washington, D.C. This unique selection salutes Cassatt's extraordinary gift for depicting the sanctity of the home and her remarkable sensitivity to life's moments of repose.

Photographs feature objects that inspired Cassatt--from a fan given to her by Edgar Degas to the actual tea set seen in Lady at the Tea Table--offering an unusual opportunity to understand the late Victorian world Cassatt inhabited and immortalized.

Average customer rating:

Adorable book
My daughter's favorite
An Exquisite Book For Both Mother And Child
Beautiful and Educational Book!

Baby Loves
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Manufacturer: Atheneum
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0689853408

Book Description

baby cuddles<BR> baby hugs<BR> baby kisses<BR> bagby loves

<BR> Here is the perfect book to read and play with baby. In sixteen paintings, prints, and pastels by American Impressionist Mary Cassatt, baby feeds ducks, claps hands, drinks milk, stands up, and kisses mommy goodnight, alonside an irresistible rhyme that baby will love hearing and acting out over and over again.

Customer Reviews:

Adorable book.......2006-12-19

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.

My daughter's favorite.......2005-08-10

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!

An Exquisite Book For Both Mother And Child.......2004-09-19

"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

Beautiful and Educational Book!.......2004-09-08

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!

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