Two Brothers, Four Hands
by Jan Greenberg (Author) Hadley Hooper (Illustrator)
The inspiring true story of the Giacometti brothers, one an artist, the other a daredevil, both devoted to their craft . . . but even more devoted to each other.
Everyone who knew them agreed. Alberto was the genius of the family. His younger brother Diego was his opposite--he didn't care much for books or schoolwork, and he had no idea what he would be when he grew up. But despite their differences, the two brothers shared an intense bond.
Alberto Giacometti became one of the iconic artists of the twentieth century, whose tall, spindly sculptures grace the collections of museums around the world. Diego was always at his side, helping and encouraging, and in his spare time creating remarkable pieces of furniture, works of sculpture in their own right.
The poignant story of brothers and sculptors Alberto and Diego Giacometti is skillfully brought to life in the hands of multiple Sibert Honor authors Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan, and the spectacular artwork of Hadley Hooper.
This lavishly illustrated 64-page book includes extensive backmatter, complete with a timeline, source notes, photographs, and an essay on how to look at a Giacometti sculpture.A Horn Book Best Book of the Year A Washington Post Best Children's Book of the Year
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School Library Journal
Gr 4-6--Alberto Giacometti is best known for his bronze sculptures: wiry, elongated figures in motion, "survivors [rising] courageously" from the "ruins of war." Lesser known is the work of his brother Diego, whom Alberto took under his wing as an assistant and model; Diego later became an expert in bronze casting and, eventually, a sculptor in his own right. Beginning with the story of their childhood in the Swiss Alps, the authors paint a picture of two very different siblings: one who drew and painted from an early age ("a dreamer") and the other who fearlessly roamed the outdoors ("a daredevil"). Dates as chapter headings record the brothers' lives and development as artists against the backdrop of the 20th century and World War II. While the book's audience may not fully understand the impact of that war, the weariness of those who survived a "Europe in chaos" is clear. Hooper's evocative mixed-media illustrations capture the period in stunning detail. Featuring a strong black line, they bring figures into the foreground in scenes awash in pink, blue, green, or gold. Alberto's belief that "a single human face can give an artist the subject matter to fill a lifetime" is illustrated with nine sculptural images of Diego--each from a different angle--and the artist warily looking over his shoulder at his creations. Endnotes and a close examination of Giacometti's iconic Walking Man--its line, form, texture, and color--offers readers a way to think and talk about art and a greater appreciation of the work. VERDICT Don't miss this moving, brilliantly illustrated picture book portrait of brothers in art.--Daryl Grabarek, School Library Journal
Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Publishers Weekly
Greenberg and Jordan (Meet Cindy Sherman) continue their impressive series of artist biographies with an account of 20th-century sculptor Alberto Giacometti and his brother Diego. The two grew up in Switzerland, born only a year apart, Alberto artistic and introspective, Diego adventurous: "One a daredevil, the other a dreamer, they are tied to each other as if by some secret understanding." Alberto's career begins in a Paris studio, and Diego joins him there, first as a model for Alberto, then, during WWII, learning how to cast in bronze. After the war, when Alberto's gaunt, spare figures gain recognition as emblems that "rise up courageously from these ruins," Diego casts and mounts the pieces, occasionally working on "sculptures of animals he stalked as a child." Illustrations by Hooper (Mabel and Sam at Home) exude warmth in expressive black contours, and large planes of colored wash--the blue of Paris at night, the red of war--provide the spreads with moody overtones. Diego and his devotion to his brother emerge as the story's most appealing elements in this fascinating retrospective. Back matter offers a detailed chronology, notes, and photos. Ages 7-10. (Apr.)
Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
★ "Illustrations by Hooper (Mabel and Sam at Home) exude warmth in expressive black contours, and large planes of colored wash—the blue of Paris at night, the red of war—provide the spreads with moody overtones. Diego and his devotion to his brother emerge as the story's most appealing elements in this fascinating retrospective."—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review ★ "Hooper's art, in paint and ink and finished digitally, is cohesive yet strikingly dynamic; see the final vignette of the two brothers together casting long, skeletal shadows recalling Alberto's famous style. Back matter respectfully guides readers through looking at Walking Man II; photos, source notes, a timeline, and a bibliography are included."—The Horn Book Magazine, Starred Review
"Short sentences impel the narrative forward with poetic pulse and economy, and the careful balance of the Giacomettis' art and domestic worlds extends the title's interest. The vibrant colors of Hooper's mixed-media illustrations are, though appealing, nearly extraneous in light of the commanding black line work that harmonizes with Alberto's and Diego's slender metal creations." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
JNF006040 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Art | History
JNF006060 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Art | Sculpture
Artists
Switzerland
Giacometti, Alberto
Giacometti, Diego
