Early Impressionism and the French State by Jane Mayo RoosMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
This work makes a great deal of sense once the history of the period is put into perspective. I found myself discovering more about European history (when coupled with some reading on the Bolshevik revolution of October 1917 and Lenin's view of the Paris Commune), especially Courbet's role in the Paris Commune I found fascinating. This was not an easy read as the material was so unfamiliar (aside from an interest in Impressionism more broadly) but it is worthy of a second read if one is so inclined. Very much an academic book for academics, but no pulled punches and plenty of depth in both notes, references and analysis, this work was well worth the effort.
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