As an art lover, especially of the Impressionist time period, The Taste of Giverny: At Home with Monet and the American Impressionists has been a treasured book in my collection for many years. I have finally given this book my undivided attention.

Claire Joyes provides historical information about Giverny during the time period in which Monet lived there. I learned how popular Giverny became with American artists as a result of Monet’s presence and the artwork he created at his studio and in his landscape. It appears Giverny was quite the bustling artistic community.

This book contains many images of paintings by other artists as well as some of Monet’s creations. Photographer, Jean-Marie del Moral, contributes images of present day Giverny. There are many photos of Monet’s home, that is now a museum, and the Hotel Baudy, where many artists boarded during their stay. I found it Interesting that Madame Baudy initially operated a local bar and grocery store. Once artists arrived from America and were seeking lodging, she turned her store and residence into a hotel. Over the years, she expanded the building to include more rooms and created studio spaces for the painters.

The book also includes recipes, with photos, of the meals that were often prepared during that time period.

This is a neat book that I will continue to treasure in my collection.

I love the video titled, Water Lilies of Monet: The Magic of Water and Light. It’s an excellent documentary about Monet’s life in Giverny. Much of the video was filmed at Monet’s home/studio/landscapes. The video is inspired by the book, Mad Enchantment: Claude Monet and the Painting of the Water Lilies by Ross King. You can rent or buy the video here.

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