Now available in a compact edition, this lavishly illustrated, multi-faceted examination of Impressionism traces the movement's birth, development, and global impact. One of the art world's most recognizable 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 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. Charting 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, E?douard 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. Authoritative and illuminating, this wide-ranging exploration of Impressionism's astounding impact on art history will surprise even the most seasoned aficionado. AUTHOR: Norbert Wolf is an art historian. He lives and works as a private lecturer and freelance author in Munich. He has already published several books with Prestel, which include: Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Albrecht Duerer, The World of the Saints and I Titian. SELLING POINTS: . PERFECT FOR readers with an interest in Impressionism. . A LUXURIOUS PUBLICATION on one of the most famous and popular painting styles of all times . AN OUTSTANDING OVERVIEW: Serving as both general introduction and detailed examination, Wolf's work is vividly narrated and academically rigorous. . BEAUTIFULLY PRODUCED, CLASSICALY DESIGNED: Included are numerous large-format illustrations, including detail views, in high quality of the Impressionists' most important paintings. 200 colour, 20 b/w illustrations