Reading list
"The Luncheon of the Boating Party" by Susan Vreeland and "The Wayward Muse" by Elisabeth Hickey. Vreeland's "what if?" story of the creation of the Renoir masterpiece is rich and absorbing. Funny, tragic and poignant, the mixture of French men and women of different classes who have survived a war. I loved the reference to the Eiffel Tower -- still on the drawing board. My favorite, of course, was the Remus Lupin-ish character of Gustave Caillebotte. Every revolution needs a cheerful, wise (and rich) member who competes in regattas!
The muse of the title is Jane Burden Morris. Hickey should have spent more time researching the personalities of the various second-tier Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood members and their families. She captures Morris and Rossetti, Jane and Lizzie perfectly. She does setting and description very well. Even with it's imperfections, it's over too soon.
The muse of the title is Jane Burden Morris. Hickey should have spent more time researching the personalities of the various second-tier Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood members and their families. She captures Morris and Rossetti, Jane and Lizzie perfectly. She does setting and description very well. Even with it's imperfections, it's over too soon.