Masterpiece Studies: Manet, Zola, Van Gogh, & Monet

Rating:
Summary: Small Gem
Review: "Masterpiece Studies" is one art historian's proposal to emphasize the influence of contemporary European music, primarily Wagner, on the production of three painters: Manet, Van Gogh and Monet. At the same time, Emile Zola's novel "L'Oeurve" is considered as Zola's reaction to the Impressionist "threat" to his realist sensibilities.
Manet's "Bar at the Folies-Berger" is a late masterpiece that challenges Zola, who will then create a failed version of Manet in his novel. Investigating Van Gogh's series of "La Berceuse" paintings, Champa explores how the series fits into the idea of "masterpiece" or "copies". Finally, Monet breaks down the single-masterpiece concept with his extended practice of painting series (cathedral, haystacks).
The depth of understanding about the subject(s) is rivalled only by the evident love Champa feels for his Studies.