MARC CHAGALL

Marc Chagall is a difficult subject for a biography, especially one for children. His art is also dense with meaning and texture. The authors have attempted to combine biographical information with interpretation of some of his major paintings and have achieved only partial success. Stressing the relationship between the events in his life and the subjects he chose to paint, they describe and explain the paintings in that context. The biographical material is mixed with both descriptions of the paintings and side notes on style, and all of this is presented in a variety of type sizes, arrangements, and colors. Family photographs are also included in the mix. The results are visually exciting, but confusing, creating a sense of being overwhelmed by the material. This is an interesting but not quite satisfying addition to the Adventures in Art series and is also less suitable for the younger readers for whom it is intended. (Biography. 12+)