The Private Lives of the Impressionists by Sue Roe

I'm SO glad that I read this book, as it peeled back a lot of layers for Paris and its surroundings, as well as the history of the 19th century that interests me so much.

It ignited enough interest in the Impressionists in me that I've asked for a coffee table book of their works for my upcoming birthday, and I told the guide we've hired for our upcoming trip to Paris that I really want to explore their works in person.

Not surprisingly, like so many artists, the Impressionists were a troubled bunch.  No one could know the fame they would eventually enjoy in the latter part of their lives and in the decades to come.  But during their lives they were mostly a miserable lot.

Prior to the Impressionists French art was defined by the works that were approved of by the Salon in Paris, the official art exhibition of the Académie des Beaux-Arts.  The Salon set the standard by choosing which works would (and would not) be exhibited each year.

And up until the time that the Impressionists broke through, the 1880s, the standard of French art was defined by mythological and biblical set-pieces.  No exceptions.

No one had even thought of painting scenes of everyday life.  And when the Impressionists exhibited their works in Paris (outside of the Salon) they were laughed at.  Loudly.

It's hard to fully grasp how artistic tastes have changed in the interim, but Parisians of that time couldn't even bring themselves to look at Impressionist art without turning their backs in horror.

But slowly over the course of many years the Impressionists did gain favor.

In the interim, they suffered from poverty, ostracism, alcoholism, physical and mental disease and many other maladies, self inflicted and otherwise.

All in all, a fascinating look into late 19th century France that has furthered my anticipation for our upcoming trip to France.