Stravinsky's Lunch

Stravinsky's Lunch examines the lives of two Australian painters, Stella Bowen (1893-1947) and Grace Cossington Smith (1892-1984), against the backdrop of 20th century art and social expectations. The title refers to composer Igor Stravinsky's strict rule that his family maintain complete silence during his lunch. The book presents parallel narratives of these two artists who took different paths in their artistic careers. Bowen left Australia for Europe and became involved with writer Ford Madox Ford, while Smith remained in Sydney's suburbs with her family, painting domestic scenes and modernist works. Through extensive research and analysis of both artists' paintings, Modjeska reconstructs their artistic development and personal choices. The text incorporates reproductions of key works and detailed descriptions of their techniques and subjects. The biography raises questions about women's artistic lives and the balance between creative work and social obligations. It considers how gender expectations shaped these painters' careers and their approaches to art in early-to-mid 20th century Australia.

Readers appreciate Modjeska's exploration of two Australian women artists - Grace Cossington Smith and Stella Bowen - and her analysis of how they balanced their art with domestic life. Several reviews note the depth of research and the compelling parallel narratives. Readers highlight: - Clear writing style that avoids academic jargon - Integration of art history with personal narratives - Fresh perspective on lesser-known artists Common criticisms: - Pacing can be slow in parts - Some sections feel overly detailed - Limited broader context about Australian art Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (67 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (12 ratings) Notable reader comments: "Brings these artists to life through meticulous research" - Goodreads reviewer "Loses momentum in the middle but recovers" - Amazon reviewer "Made me see these paintings with new eyes" - LibraryThing review The book resonates particularly with readers interested in women artists and Australian cultural history.

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🎨 Stella Bowen was the long-term partner of Ford Madox Ford and painted his portrait several times, including the famous piece now housed in the National Portrait Gallery of Australia. 🖼️ Grace Cossington Smith created one of Australia's most iconic modernist paintings, "The Bridge in Building" (1929), documenting the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. ✍️ Author Drusilla Modjeska won the New South Wales Premier's Literary Award for Non-Fiction in 2000 for "Stravinsky's Lunch." 🎵 Igor Stravinsky, whose dining habits inspired the book's title, was so strict about silence during meals that his wife had to write notes if she needed to communicate with him at lunch. 🌟 The book became a cornerstone text in Australian feminist art history, influencing how female artists' contributions are discussed in academic and cultural contexts.