If you think that Maurice Prendergast (1858-1924) only produced decorative park and beach scenes rendered in an abstract style, these two new volumes will set the record straight. Thanks in large part to the generosity of the Eugenie Prendergast Foundation, Mathews has produced a splendid exhibition catalog that surveys the career of the American Impressionist. She also labored for over six years as part of a team of art historians to create a monumental, ten-pound, slip-cased tome that documents the total artistic output of the two Prendergast brothers, Maurice and Charles, A Catalogue Raisonne. A good balance has been struck between the books. The exhibition catalog, of interest to both lay people and scholars, offers a chronological discussion of Maurice's ever-evolving style along with selected works represented by 130 glorious color plates. In contrast, the comprehensive catalogue raisonne , with its highly detailed essays by eight art historians, features 2200 illustrations, 100 of which are in color. All works discussed are represented by an image and catalog entry and range from the sketchbooks, monotypes, and applied graphics of Maurice to the carved and painted panels and sculpture of Charles (1863-1948). A Herculean achievement, the catalogue raisonne will long serve as a cornerstone in the arena of American art history reference. Considering the level of scholarship and number of color plates offered, both books are bona fide bargains. Highly recommended.-- Kathleen Eagen Johnson, Historic Hudson Valley, Tarrytown, N.Y. Copyright 1990 Cahners Business Information.
