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Private Lives of the Impressionists
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The Impressionists led fascinating lives as they attempted to break free from the confines imposed in Napoleon's III's France on artistic creativity. Entry to the Salon, where a
career could be made or broken instantly, was tightly controlled.
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Sue Roe's story delves deeply into the personal relationships and interrelationships between the artists. Many, such as Monet, Bazille and Cezanne looked to their families for
support during the numerous rough years. The author brings to life the various characters who would, with the exception of Manet, exhibit together.
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Title: Frederick Bazille at His Easel, 1867
Artist: Pierre-Auguste Renoir (French 1841-1919)
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Dimensions: 105 x 75 cm
Permanent Collection: Musée d'Orsay
Image Courtesy: HarperCollins Canada
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Title: Berthe Morisot, c 1872-1874
Photographer: Andre Chadefaux
Permanent Collection: Musée Marmottan, Paris
Image Courtesy: HarperCollins Canada
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Claude Monet, who unwitting provided the group with their name given his work Impression, Sunrise, comes alive in Roe's hands much like his paintings rise
boldly
from the canvas. He spent nearly as much time avoiding his numerous creditors with wit, charm and sheer audacity
as he did creating his masterpieces.
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Throughout Private Lives anecdotes reveal much of their lives such as Monet. When his tailor confronted him for payment he threatened to take his business elsewhere if the tailor persisted
in this unseemly vent. The tailor backed down. Monet did like to dress well, though for much of his early career he lacked the funds whenever his father tightened the purse strings.
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Roe provides the same insight into many of the famous French artists that became the Impressionists. From their meetings, their help and support of one another,
The Private Lives of the Impressionists brings together the personalities that through sheer will and brilliant talent left a magnificent legacy of art for
the world to enjoy.
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Title: Sue Roe, author of The Private Lives of the Impressionists
Photographer & ©: Keith Hunt
Image Courtesy: HarperCollins/HarperCollinsPublishers
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