One of the art world’s most recognsable and popular styles, Impressionism is also one of the most complex.
In this sumptuous overview Norbert Wolf lends his attention to all aspects of Impressionism: its historical precursors, contemporary rivals, and the movements it inspired. Over 200 large format reproductions of entire works and highlighted details introduce readers to the Impressionists’ aesthetics and techniques. Wolf draws insightful parallels between these paintings and other contemporary works of music, photography, and literature. Tracing the movement’s expansion from France to the rest of Europe and North America, this volume shines a spotlight on the main protagonists who were key in the development of Impressionism. It highlights not only the French pioneers- Claude Monet, Gustave Caillebotte, Edouard Manet, Pierre- Auguste Renoir, Camille Pissarro, and others-but also Max Liebermann, Lovis Corinth, John Singer Sargent, Mary Cassatt, William Merritt Chase, and James McNeill Whistler, to name a few. As luxurious as it is authoritative, this wide-ranging investigation of a moment in art history reveals works and ideas that will surprise even the most seasoned aficionado.

AUTHOR: Norbert Wolf is an art historian who lectures frequently. His many publications include Art Deco, Art Nouveau, and Albrecht Durer (all by Prestel).

220 colour illustrations