MONA LISA AND THE OTHERS, by Alice Harman and Quentin Blake, Thames & Hudson, June 6, 2023, Hardcover, $19.95 (ages 7-10)
Get to know some of the Louvre’s masterpieces from the subjects depicted in them in Mona Lisa and the Others, by Alice Harman and Quentin Blake.
Millions of people visit the Louvre Museum in Paris every year to gaze and gawk at its all-star art collection. But there’s one star who gets a lot more attention than anyone else ― and her very own waiting system, if you can believe it! Well, the Louvre’s many other masterpieces aren’t too happy about being overshadowed ― and they’re here to tell everyone what makes them just as worthy of the Mona Lisa’s teeming crowds.
With a focus on portraits and other person-centered artworks, Mona Lisa and the Others reveals the stories behind some of the Louvre’s most famous pieces. Napoleon Bonaparte takes readers behind the scenesat his own coronation; the Venus de Milo explains what happened to her missing arms; the Seated Scribe lets slip some gossip about the ancient Egyptian royal family. And of course, Mona Lisa reveals that there’s more to her portrait than her mysterious smile… —Synopsis provided by Thames & Hudson
Mona Lisa and the Others is a fun and accessible look at art. Alice Harman’s light-hearted text has a slightly tongue-in-cheek tone to it that’s a pleasure to read. It’s informative and a bit snarky and moves quickly.
Illustrations by Sir Quentin Blake build upon the original art, adding energy and brightness throughout.
Excellent backmatter includes sections on the Louvre; ways to think about art; a timeline; glossary; list of artworks; and an index.
Mona Lisa and the Others is delightful look at the Louvre and the art contained within. It’s a fantastic introduction that will appeal to readers young and old.
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