Christopher Lloyd

Manet, Pissarro, Morisot, Cezanne, Seurat, Gauguin, Van Gogh and their colleagues made some of the most beautiful drawings in the history of art. This book sets drawings by the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists in the context of late nineteenth-century France and explains why these particular works are as important as their paintings in the representation of modernity. A new approach to materials and a wholly inclusive attitude to exhibitions gave drawings a more elevated status in this period than ever before, which avant-garde artists welcomed in their preference for scenes from contemporary life. For the first time also, painting and drawing shared the same stylistic principles of spontaneity, freer handling and lack of finish. Pastels by Degas, watercolors by Cezanne, pen-and-ink drawings by Van Gogh and mixed media works by Toulouse-Lautrec have an autonomy of their own, which proved instrumental in the development of modern art. The distinguished art historian Christopher Lloyd examines the drawings of twenty of the leading Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists, highlighting an aspect of French avant-garde art that remains relatively unexplored and was of immense importance for the art movements that followed

Edgar Degas (1834-1917) was one of the outstanding draughtsmen of the 19th century and drawing was not only a central tenet of his art but also essential to his existence. Through an examination of the artists drawings and pastels, Christopher Lloyd reveals the development of Degas' style as well the story of his life, including his complicated relationship with the Impressionists. Following a broadly chronological approach, the author discusses the various subject areas, not only the images of dancers (which form over half of Degas' total oeuvre) but also of nudes and milliners, and the less well-known racehorse and landscape drawings. He covers his whole career, from when Degas was copying the Old Masters to learn his craft to when he ceased work in 1912 because of failing eyesight, setting him within the artistic context of the period. Lloyd's extensive research, which includes consulting the artists detailed notebooks, has resulted in a comprehensive exposition with, at its heart, some 250 pencil, black-chalk, pen-and-ink, and charcoal drawings and pastels of timeless appeal.

The most celebrated French storyteller of the nineteenth century, Guy de Maupassant was a master of the modern short story. Offering an intriguing picture of French life, the enduring appeal of his stories derives from understated artistry, extreme craftsmanship and the universality of his characters and their aspirations and misfortunes. In this insightful and compelling biography, the only one in English currently available, Christopher Lloyd situates Maupassant's life and work in the literary and social context of nineteenth-century France. Lloyd skilfully introduces the reader to Maupassant's most famous works, such as Boule de suif, Bel-Ami and Pierre et Jean, as well as highlighting the important stages and achievements of his life and legacy.

Earth? Space? Animals? History? STEM? Britannica All New Children's Encyclopedia has them all. This beautifully illustrated, 424-page compendium of knowledge is a must-have addition to every family bookshelf and library collection! With more than 100 expert consultants from around the world, and over 1000 images, including specially commissioned illustrations and stunning photography, this single-volume Children's Encyclopedia takes Britannica s reputation for authentic, trustworthy information and brings it to a whole new audience. Unlike old encyclopedias that are structured from A to Z, this encyclopedia takes you on a journey from the beginning of time to the present day and even into the future! It explores a wide range of topics and is divided into eight chapters by subject: Universe, Earth, Matter, Life, Humans, Ancient & Medieval Times, Modern Times, and Today & Tomorrow. This book of amazing facts you can trust will provide hundreds of hours of fun learning for curious children and their families.

The Drawings of Vincent van GoghArranging by theme, from drawings of humble harvesters to beautifully rendered depictions of landscapes, pensive life studies to memorable sketches of the famous Yellow House, eminent art historian Christopher Lloyd encourages readers to consider the artist’s drawings from a fresh viewpoint: documenting successes and failures, experiments, trials, and disappointments. Primarily self-taught, Van Gogh’s approach to drawing was instinctual, but he soon recognized the importance of mastering the grammar of art, as well as materials and techniques, in order to expresshis emotional responses to a subject as vividly as possible. With examples from the artist’s voluminous and highly charged family correspondence, sketchbooks, and comparative artworks, this engaging study outlines why drawing is central to Van Gogh’s oeuvre, and equal to the intensity and reputation of his paintings. Featuring works from the Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam, and many other important collections in Europe and the United States, this beautifully illustrated volume offers an extensive interpretation of the artist’s drawings, beyond what has been published to date.