Joaquin Sorolla,   ISBN:9780856676055

Customer Rating: 

This is the first recent biography of this little known Spanish painter by his great granddaughter who is a leading authority on the artist. Comparisons to other artists of his time can be tricky as many of those artists are still well known today whereas Sorolla is not, save only in his native country despite the fact that he was a well known and acclaimed artist during his time. The author attempts to explain some of the reasons why this is, as well as giving the reader a moving and detailed account of her great grandfather. The book is lavishly illustrated with very nice reproductions of the artist's works. I really loved this book because I've had the good fortune of seeing one of his marvelous paintings that is in the collection of the Memorial art Gallery at the University of Rochester (NY) and have often wondered about the artist and why I've never heard of him or have seen more of his paintings. When I first saw his painting "Oxen on the Beach"(1910) it really knocked my socks off. At first I thought it may have been a John Singer Sargent painting but this particular painting was even more high keyed than Sargent's paintings and masterfully captured the dazzling light of Spain.Most of the reproductions in this book are of Sorolla's later years showing his plein-air paintings. I now want to see more of his paintings that are in other collections here in the U.S. and in Europe and cataloged in this wonderful book. I have a large collection of art books and this one is now one of my most prized books.

Customer Rating: 

A heavy volume. Definitely not bedtime reading! Beautifully illustrated, and with an excellent analysis of the artist's work through various time periods of Spanish history and his life. It also explains the artist's passions, strengths and weaknesses, down to his final work interrupted by stroke. It is a must read for artists, to inspire us to seize the moment, as time passes regardless of whether or not we feel we can spare a moment for art.

Customer Rating: 

Sadly, we missed the special exhibition at the Prado, this book will have to do as a substitute until we can see Soralla's works in person. Beautiful book, good insight into his works and life.

Customer Rating: 

No artist should be without a book on Sorolla. I wish there were more color photos of paintings and larger photos of the paintings. I would have given it 5 stars.

Customer Rating: 

The wait is over! This is it! If you are a fan of this elusive and spectacular artist, then you MUST!!!! own this book.The pictures are great and the color reproductions are great and lot more paintings than previously seen in other books, I can't stress enough, this book is a must for artists who strive to unlock the skillful vision of Sorolla, what a gift to all of us who love this Spanish Impressionst.