Synopses & Reviews
This renowned study follows the evolution of French painting from the Revolution through the Napoleonic era. Beginning with David's revolutionary classicism, Friedlaender scrutinizes the work of early-nineteenth-century artists against the background of their times. He reveals the baroque tendencies diffused into the art of Prudhon and the same predisposition, mixed with a strong realism, in the work of Géricault.
Two distinct trends appear, deriving from Pussin and Rubens. The author follows the styles as they mature, and represents their consumation in two great masters—the refined and abstract classicism of Ingres and the baroque of Delacroix with its flamboyant colorism and exotic subjects.
Review
An indispensable book on a majestic period. Saturday Review
Review
The best account available of the subject. Connoisseur
Review
Lively and interesting...Because of its scope, it as a permanent value for all who are interested (primarily as a general introduction) in the study of the period, and deserves to be widely read. Times Literary Supplement
Table of Contents
Introduction: The Ethical and Formal Bases of Classicism in French Painting
1. Classicism and Minor Trends in the Art of David
2. Ultraclassicists and Anticlassicists in the David Following: Gérard, Girodet, Guérin, Les Primitifs
3. Protobaroque Tendencies in the Period of Classicism: Prudhon, Gros
4. The Transformation of Classicism in the Art of Ingres
5. Early Baroque and Realism in the Art of Gericault
6. Romantic High Baroque in the Art of Delacroix