French Painting of the 19th Century in the National Gallery of Art

"French Painting of the 19th Century in the National Gallery of Art" by Grose Evans is an informative mid-20th century publication that examines the progression of French painting throughout the 1800s. The book centers on prominent artists and the movements they created that challenged established artistic norms. Evans highlights how figures like Jacques-Louis David, Eugène Delacroix, Gustave Courbet, and the Impressionists grappled with traditional standards to express original thoughts. It details conflicts between academic art and movements like Romanticism and Realism, tying artistic developments to societal influences. The book uses detailed descriptions to show how life experiences, emotions, and social issues shaped artists’ work, revolutionizing modern art and paving the way for future creativity.