The world’s leading authority on impressionist art has curated the masterpieces from their collection into this essential reference on the key artists, themes, and dates that define impressionism.

This authoritative volume offers an introduction to impressionism through one hundred iconic works from the exceptional Musée d’Orsay collection. When the impressionists first showed their work, it shook the art world. The movement went on to transform Western art and remains the most popular art period to this day.

In this beautifully produced volume, the fundamental principles at the heart of the movement are unfurled through ten key dates and ten central themes favored by the Impressionists, including intimacy, landscapes, interiors, and the interplay of light. Concise biographies of renowned artists—Manet, Monet, Morisot, Cassatt, Gonzalès, Degas, Renoir, Sisley, Caillebotte, Pissarro, Bazille, Cézanne, and Bracquemond—and highlights of their work accompanied by in-depth commentary from art historians complete this essential reference.

About The Author

The Musée d’Orsay houses the world’s largest and growing collection of Impressionist paintings, featuring a wealth of masterpieces. Recent acquisitions include major works by pioneering female painters such as Marie Bracquemond, Mary Cassatt, and Eva Gonzalès. Paul Perrin is director of conservation and collections at the Musée d’Orsay. A French art historian and heritage curator specialized in nineteenth-century art, and impressionist and academic painting, he has co-curated exhibitions including Frédéric Bazille and the Birth of Impressionism.