Theodore Rousseau and the Rise of the Modern Art Market: An Avant-Garde Landscape Painter in Nineteenth-Century France

In the 19th century, the modern art market in France emerged with the help of avant-garde Barbizon landscape painter Theodore Rousseau, his patrons, and his public. This book explores the relationship between Rousseau, his patrons, and critics, highlighting their pioneering role in the origins of the modern art market. It offers fresh insight into the role of the modern artist as a professional and reconsiders the complex iconographical and formal choices within Rousseau's oeuvre, rediscovering the original radical charge that once surrounded his work.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The nineteenth century in France saw the establishment of the modern art market structures that continue to shape the art world today. This captivating book delves into the intricate relationship between the avant-garde Barbizon landscape painter, Théodore Rousseau (1812-1867), and this evolving market, shedding light on the constellation of patrons, art dealers, and critics that surrounded the artist. Simon Kelly contends that Rousseau, along with his patrons and the public, played a pioneering role in the origins of the modern art market, challenging the traditional focus on the careers of the Impressionists and their supporters. Through extensive archival research, the book offers fresh insights into the role of the modern artist as a professional, providing a new understanding of the complex iconographical and formal choices within Rousseau's oeuvre. It also reclaims the original radical charge that once surrounded the artist's work, leading to extensive and peculiarly modern tensions with the market place.

The nineteenth century in France witnessed the emergence of the structures of the modern art market that remain until this day. This captivating book delves into the intricate relationship between the avant-garde Barbizon landscape painter, Théodore Rousseau (1812-1867), and this evolving market, shedding light on the constellation of patrons, art dealers, and critics that surrounded the artist. Simon Kelly contends that Rousseau, along with his patrons and the public, played a pioneering role in the origins of the modern art market, challenging the traditional focus on the careers of the Impressionists and their supporters. Through extensive archival research, the book offers fresh insights into the role of the modern artist as a professional, providing a new understanding of the complex iconographical and formal choices within Rousseau's oeuvre. It also reclaims the original radical charge that once surrounded the artist's work, leading to extensive and peculiarly modern tensions with the market place.

Weight: 754g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350430709