The ultimate trophy: how the impressionist painting conquered the world

Abstract

In 1892, the Degas painting "In the Café" was sold for a mere 180 guineas at auction, with the public hissing as the hammer fell. Less than a century later another Impressionist work, Renoir's "Moulin de la Galette", sold at Sotheby's for $78 million, accompanied by enthusiastic applause. In this book, the Senior Director of Sotheby's Impressionist and Modern Art department examines the public's change of heart toward Impressionism. Starting with its shocking novelty and confounding style, he traces the impact of the Impressionist painting as it spread to Germany, America, and Great Britain, polarizing modernists and conservatives. Equally fascinating is the story of Impressionism's change in status. Impressionist works have become a currency in their own right, being bought and sold like blue-chip stock coveted as much for their monetary worth as for their intrinsic beauty.

Contents

Up close it's a mess: The shocking novelty of Impressionism -- The cat on the keyboard: The French reception of Impressionism -- A new art for a New World: America and Impressionism -- A cultural deed: German reception of Impressionism -- Mormons in St Paul's: British response to Impressionism -- Chatwin's hair: The Impressionist painting, 1945-70 -- Beyond price: The Impressionist painting, 1970-1990 -- Optical collusion: The Impressionist painting after 1990.