Impressionist and Post-Impressionist Masterpieces at the Musee D'Orsay

In this helpful introduction to the collection of the recently opened Musee d'Orsay in Paris, 93 full-page, full-color illustrations handsomely display paintings by such masters as Cezanne, Monet and Renoir, balanced with a sprinkling of works by less familiar artists like Bazille and Caillebotte. Although the focus is on the artists' most typical works, the unexpected does appear: an example of Matisse's flirtation with Pointillism, a somber landscape by Redon. The accompanying text offers a brief analysis of each painting and its creator and combines with Lucie-Smith's introduction to produce an informative overview of the movements. With a 9 10 format, the book avoids the pitfall of unwieldiness while allowing the illustrations ample scale. (February)