The New Painting: Impressionism 1874-1886 (1996) (2 vols)

The exhibition catalogue The New Painting: Impressionism, 1874–1886, published in 1986, contained works of art from the eight group shows known as the first impressionist exhibitions, held during the critical twelve-year period that is the crucible of modernism. These eight shows were organized as an alternative to the officially sanctioned annual exhibitions known as the Salons.

In order to identify these objects, art historians consulted reviews written about the original eight exhibitions, primarily those now preserved in the Bibliothèque nationale in Paris. The research continued beyond the preparation for the exhibition and has resulted in the augmentation, correction, and refinement of the record of objects believed to have been included in these shows. That study forms the basis of this definitive two-volume work.

Volume I contains transcripts of all the reviews that appeared in the contemporary press, typeset in their original languages, mainly French. Original checklist numbers inserted in the margins identify the works discussed. Reproductions of all the illustrations that appeared with the original review texts appear at the end of each year’s section. Condition: some light handling marks and very faint spotting to edges of text-block. Dust-wrapper a little marked to verso.

Volume II consists of entries and illustrations of the works identified. Entries for each object are annotated with references to the original reviews, as well as other sources of documentation. Condition: some light marks to cloth boards. Dust-wrapper a little shelf-worn with some dust marks and ink marks to verso.