Luncheon of the Boating Party Paperback – February 26, 2008

Impressionism has always been my favorite style of art. A print of Monet's Water Lilies has hung in my bedroom for years. But I've never really understood the obsession with Renoir's Luncheon of the Boating Party. After reading this book, I realize that I didn't truly understand Impressionism. This book brought home to me who these painters were, what their lives were like and how Paris influenced their lifestyles.This book only follows Renoir as he paints Luncheon, which is about a two month period. The painting is literally brought to life. Instead of being nameless boaters, I now know the names of the models in the painting. Susan Vreeland steps insides their lives for a mere two months and, yet, I feel like I know them now. I've never looked at a painting and thought about how hard it would be to hold that pose for hours. I've never thought of the posers as actual people. I was fascinated by the descriptions of color, by the discussions of how to pose and by the inner thoughts of Renoir as he tries to figure out how to make this painting come together.This book also described a pivotal moment for the Impressionists. In the past, they stuck together as a group. Monet, Sisley, Pissaro, Degas, Cezanne, Renoir and many others presented a united front against critics of their new style. Now, their group is starting to break apart. Many of the original group are going separate ways and the entire field of Impressionism is changing. Also, private dealers are about to become more important as opposed to submission based art shows. The entire art community is changing and this book is able to give a sense of the politics of art at that time.While most of the book is narrated from Renoir's perspective, several of the models he uses also have point of view chapters. Through them we see several sides of what life in Paris would have been like. Jeanne is a successful actress, Ellen is a mime in the Follies who dreams of being a real actress, Gustave is a part of the Impressionist movement who supports the others when they need it. Each character that has a chapter is brought lovingly to life. We see the impact many of these people have on Renoir and on his painting. This book is a snapshot of these lives but it shows so much. It is almost painful to watch Renoir struggle to pay for paint when I know that his paintings are currently some of the most well-known and renowned ever. I think the biggest compliment I can pay this book is that it changed the way I will look at art forever.

I have been enamored of Renoir's painting "Luncheon of the Boating Party" since I first saw it in a Washington,DC museum over 30 years ago. Therefore, it was with a mixture of awe and anticipation that I began this novel. Now, I am anxious to view the painting again since I feel a definite connection to the people in the book, brought magically to life by author Susan Vreeland, who blurred fiction and reality so effortlessly that I could imagine myself living "la vie modern." What's not to enjoy about blissfully boating on the Seine, enjoying the camaraderie of those depicted as they posed, bantered, and ate rapturously at the Maison Fournaise?Renoir, at age 39, was poor and struggling, far from the famed painter he later became. He was seeking to capture one fleeting moment that would lend credulity to the Impressionist Movement. He found it on the terrace of a restaurant and the reader is pulled along as he picks his models, battles creative problems, and achieves his heart's desire.The author has done a brilliant job of bringing to life not only Renoir himself, but also the 14 people depicted in the painting. She also shows his friendships and lack of with Monet, Degas, DeMaupassant, and others.If you enjoy reading fictionalized accounts of famous people, the back story to significant achievements or just a good tale, you'll enjoy this one.

Vreeland has outdone herself in capturing the essence of the Impressionist movement, and the tensions, fluidity, and evolution of the art world during the latter half of the 19th century. To call this an historical novel would not convey the ability of Ms Vreeland to make the reader feel as if they are actually immersed in the action. Forget the idea of the lonely, starving artist, toiling away in some forgotten garret, creating masterpieces unrecognized, and unloved during his/her lifetime. This book reveals all the planning, equipment, materials and elements that must be assembled and orchestrated for an artist to realize their vision. I was riveted by this glimpse into the lives and minds of the painter, his friends, his models, his supporters and his detractors. Not to mention the effects of past and present political, economic, and social climates on the characters involved. Vreeland's skill in writing made me feel as if I were really there for the delicious dinners, the wine, the painting, the duel, watching the boat races, swimming, boating, or enjoying the walks along the river. This book was so enjoyable in so many ways. I could hardly put it down, but really hated to see it come to an end. If I could give it 10 stars...well, you get my drift!

I loved this book! The insights on the artistic world as well as Renoirs struggles with impressionist and holding Tue to changing the a masterpiece e and I have arranged to go to Washingtoart world!! It was very insightful knowing he painted the people most important to him and to find out their stories!! This book has insI red me to see the painting at the Phillips collection!!going to Washington DC!!!!!!!