The Painting of Modern Life

Explore the birth of "modern life" in Paris via the paintings of Impressionist artist such as Manet, Degas, and Seurat. T. J. Clark challenges those who view Impressionism as just a technique, instead arguing that these artists sought to capture the essence of modernity by representing typical representatives of the era, including bar-maids, boaters, prostitutes, and more. The Painting of Modern Life raises the question of whether modern painting celebrated or criticized the consumer culture of Paris in the 1860s and 1870s. With a new preface by the author, this classic book is a must-read for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike.