Francisco Goya

April 1, 2016

Gr 7 Up-Fact-laden volumes include excellent reproductions; works by contemporaries and modern-day artists inspired by these masters are displayed for comparison, and explanations of how these artists impacted future generations and were themselves influenced are clear. "Art" sidebars invite readers to examine works closely. Each title sets artists and works in a historical, social, and artistic context. Owing to the books' apparent British authorship, Cezanne refers to a sale price in dollars on one page, pounds, elsewhere. VERDICT Buy Bruegel if needed; the others are supplemental.

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2016
Grades 7-10 This chronological account of the life of Francisco Goya, part of the Inspiring Artists series, details not only the key points of his biography and his important paintings, but also makes a convincing, powerful case for Goya's legacy of influence. When covering Goya's war etchings, for instance, Rockett notes similarities to Pablo Picasso's Guernica, while his light-speckled The Milkmaid of Bordeaux anticipates the dappled brushstrokes of the Impressionists. Each spread features well-reproduced paintings, as well as lots of helpful paragraphs describing the Spanish painter's style, method, political involvement, and influences. Meanwhile, concise discussions of concurrent events establish Goya's work firmly in its historical context, and targeted questions encourage critical thinking. The slightly dry tone might be daunting, but students willing to stick with it will come away with a rich and varied understanding of this groundbreaking artist.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)