Edward W. Redfield: Just Values and Fine Seeing : Book Review

Constance Kimmerle's biography, "Edward W. Redfield," immerses readers in the fascinating life and artistic journey of one of America's most prominent landscape painters. This captivating book provides a comprehensive exploration of Redfield's life, delving into his childhood in Pennsylvania and tracing his rise to prominence in the American art scene.

Kimmerle skillfully weaves together personal anecdotes, historical context, and insightful analysis to create a rich and engaging narrative. Her meticulous research is evident throughout the book, drawing upon a wealth of primary sources such as Redfield's letters, journals, and interviews with his family and friends. This attention to detail allows readers to truly understand the artist's personality, motivations, and artistic process. Additionally, the inclusion of stunning reproductions of Redfield's artwork enhances the reading experience, enabling readers to visually appreciate the evolution of his style and technique over the years.

One aspect that sets this biography apart is its focus on Redfield's connection to the Bucks County region of Pennsylvania. Kimmerle highlights the profound influence of this rural landscape on the artist's creative vision, as well as the emergence of a close-knit artistic community during the early 20th century. Through this exploration, readers develop a deeper appreciation for the role of environment and community in an artist's development.

Furthermore, "Edward W. Redfield" goes beyond the mere documentation of Redfield's life and delves into the larger artistic and cultural movements that shaped and were shaped by the artist. Kimmerle pays particular attention to the impact of Impressionism and its role in shaping Redfield's artistic style, as well as the societal changes occurring during this time period. By placing Redfield in a wider context, readers gain a comprehensive understanding of his place in art history.

In conclusion, "Edward W. Redfield" is a captivating and informative biography that offers a profound exploration of the life, art, and influence of one of America's most notable landscape painters. Readers seeking insight into Redfield's personal life, artistic development, and the broader context of American art in the early 20th century will find this book to be a valuable and enriching read.

What are readers saying?

The book "Edward W. Redfield" by Constance Kimmerle has received a variety of reviews from readers. Some readers commend the author for her meticulous examination of the artist's life and work, while others feel that the writing style lacks depth and can be dry.

Many reviewers appreciate Kimmerle's extensive research and thorough exploration of Redfield's artistic journey. They find the book to be a comprehensive biography that sheds light on the artist's influences, techniques, and impact on American art. The author's attention to detail and ability to vividly describe Redfield's art are also praised.

However, some readers feel that the book lacks the engaging narrative they were hoping for. They believe that the writing style tends to be overly academic and repetitive, which can make the reading experience tedious. These critics also note that the book focuses heavily on technical aspects of Redfield's art, which may not be accessible or interesting to those with a casual interest in the subject.

Another common criticism is that the book lacks a clear chronological structure and fails to provide a cohesive account of Redfield's life. Some readers find the organization confusing, as the book frequently jumps back and forth between different periods in the artist's career. This fragmented approach makes it difficult for readers to fully grasp Redfield's development and achievements.

Despite these criticisms, there are still readers who find value in Kimmerle's work. They appreciate that the book introduces them to an artist they may not have been aware of previously and enjoy learning about Redfield's unique style and contributions to American art.

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