Paris in Ruins

The Pulitzer Prize-winning art critic's gripping account of how political turmoil in Paris from 1870-1871 gave rise to Impressionism.

'Astonishing. A true story which exults in love, courage, beauty, mischief and the mystery of human intimacy.' Annabel Crabb

Impressionism remains wildly popular. Crowds flock to exhibitions by its greatest artists—Édouard Manet, Berthe Morisot, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro. But as Sebastian Smee shows in Paris in Ruins, a book of great narrative sweep and vivid detail, Impressionism was a complex reaction to an age of violence and war.

From the summer of 1870 to the spring of 1871, the 'Terrible Year', Paris and its people were cut off, starved, and forced to surrender by Germans—before rebel republicans established a breakaway government or Commune. After the burning of central Paris, the republicans were crushed by the French army.

Smee tells this story through the eyes of these key artists, with a special focus on the intimate, enigmatic relationship between Manet—the father of Impressionism—and Morisot, the group's only female member in its early years. An indelible portrait of the city, Paris in Ruins captures the chaos of that year and reveals how it had an incalculable effect on the development of modern art.

PRAISE:

'Deft, vibrant cultural history.' Kirkus, starred review

'The book well could change the way you think about Impressionism... altering your perception of art history.' Age/SMH

'Smee has a gimlet eye, a seductive style and a novelist's feel for character and incident...Deeply researched and suavely written...An inspiring book.' New York Times

'Vibrant and incisive...Superb, scalp-tingling narration...Finds the luminosity at the movement's heart and brilliantly amplifies it on the page.' LA Times

'Smee brings events to life vividly, with remarkable energy and insight...This raucous, layered and engrossing read left me reminded of the inseparable bond between politics and art.' Readings

'Very beautiful book. A marvellous melange of military history, gossip, art criticism...The lot.' David Marr, ABC RN Late Night Live

'Penetrating and arresting, Smee shows how the Paris Siege and the Paris Commune had an extensive effect on the history of art and how art can be inspired by disaster. For us artists and art lovers, this book is highly recommended.' Sydney Arts Guide