Luncheon of the Boating Party by Susan Vreeland
Luncheon of the Boating Party
by Susan Vreeland
(Audio)
I first heard about this book when I saw the author at the National Book Festival years ago. The concept sounded so interesting that I immediately bought an autographed copy of this book at the festival. I only just got around to reading it... though I did so on audio so I wouldn't hurt my copy... and so that I would actually get through it.
This is the story of the Luncheon of the Boating Party painting by Renoir. I knew that many of the models in the painting were friends of Renoir, real people that history remembered. But I loved finding out more about them in this sort of fictionalized account. And I knew nothing about how difficult it was for Renoir to create this painting--and how many times it it almost didn't succeed. I think the aspect I liked the most was about Renoir's style, trying to meld realism with Impressionalism, how to paint what you love but still be able to make a living as a painter, how to navigate the art world with other artists while still standing out. These struggles were beautifuly and realistically done, making me really understand his emotions and mindset. If he could pull off this grand painting, it would solve all his problems with the critics and the art world... but that's easier said than done. So many things stood in his way, from problems with models to the lack of money for paints. And, through it all, he falls in love with several women... one of whom ends up as his wife (and not the one I'd guessed going into it, either).
More importantly, this book captures not just the art world but so much of the culture of France, of Paris, of the river, of different classes of people, of different professions. From the woman who must sell her body to the woman who cannot read and slaves away sewing all day to the man who finds his honor questioned to the man who must stick by his words and only show his work in the Impressionist's show, to the woman who has lost lovers to the war to the woman who wants to be respected as an actress.
I devoured every elegant word of this book, feeling for so many of the characters. I knew the painting got competed, because it hangs in a gallery not far from where I live now, but I didn't know the story behind it, and every step of the way in this book I wondered what the price of finishing this painting would be--ending friendships? Bankcruptcy? Destroying reputations? Death? I love that this fictional account could show so many truths and really paint a wonderful picture of the picture itself with words. I fell in love with every well-described brush stroke.
I can't wait to go see the painting in person soon.
Read & removed from TBR list