Renoir first began to conduct experiment with pastel soon after Manet and Degas; in the mid-1870s; and his interest in the medium increased through the next decade. In contrast to his drawings; which he exhibited rarely; he considered his pastels an essential part of his art work and frequently showed them in public. He rarely employed pastel for his formal portrait commissions; however; reserving the medium for works in which the sitters were friends or family (and almost exclusively young women and children; whom he saw as particularly appropriate subjects for the delicate; luminous effects of pastel). One contemporary critic has explained Renoirs pastels: "If he frequently used that medium to depict those near and dear to him; it was because pastel; which combines color with line; gave him the possibility of working rapidly to capture in all their vividness the rapid flash of intelligence and the fleeting show of emotion".
#3542135 in eBooks 2015-04-01 2015-04-01File Name: B00T25TRBC
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Lovely Look at a Beautiful CityBy Ethics ProfI grew up in Utica; so I was eager to see this book. My only regret is that it didnt have a more representative selection of historical photos. There was much history that took place in Utica - hard to believe now - but it was said at one time that the "decisions of the world were made in Utica." The residential architecture on its main street (Genesee) and in areas like Rutger Park; etc.; is grand and impressive and reflects the citys importance to the country at the end of the nineteenth century. Unfortunately; this book shows only a few of those gorgeous homes. While this volume recalls much of the grandeur of Utica at the time; theres just not enough of it. Its not really an overview of the area as much as it is a celebration of one persons collection of photographs; and it is limited by his interests. That said; the book is still beautiful. There are photos that give a glimpse of the beautiful elm trees that once graced the streets there. Oxford Road in New Hartford is pictured; almost empty except for the marvelous home near St. Johns Church which was rumored to be a stop on the Underground Railroad. And my grandparents used to speak of Forest Park; which is featured in this collection. I had no idea where it was until I saw this book. (It was on Oneida Street near Hillcrest Manor - who knew!) So; while this is a limited collection; it is still worth the price!
