Accompanying a major traveling exhibition, this catalogue celebrates the groundbreaking avant-garde artists whose works embody the spirit and decadence of fin de siècle and Belle Époque Paris. Toulouse-Lautrec and La Vie Moderne is a celebration of the work of a generation of avant-garde artists at the turn of the nineteenth century in Paris who fought for artistic liberation against the strict codes of the Academy. Like the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists who preceded them, the Nabis, Incohérents, Symbolists, and Naturalists sought to reinterpret a rapidly changing society that was no longer easily definable. Artists such as Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Édouard Vuillard, Pierre Bonnard, Mary Cassatt, and Félix Vallotton, among others, render with naturalism and vivacity modern Parisian life and its café-concerts, cabarets, and brothels; street scenes and landscapes; and intimate domestic interiors. This rich presentation of paintings, watercolors, drawings, rare zinc shadow-puppet silhouettes, Chat Noir cabaret programs, and key ephemera for Parisian theaters, circuses, cabarets, and café-concerts, are accompanied by essays by internationally known scholars, catalogue entries, artist biographies, a timeline of historical events and iconic works, a map of Paris, and a select bibliography.
“La Vie Moderne explores the ways these artists defined their art as “modern;” truly celebrating a special—and highly creative—time in history. This is one that should be added to every art lover’s library!” ~Art of the Times
“The book is a work of art…gives its readers a great oversight of French history and an explanation of what was happening in France at the turn of the century as how artist and their work were influenced by important political and cultural events. It is a truly a fascinating and informative book for anyone who appreciates art or just wants to learn a little more. If you can not make it to the Orsay or the Louvre, Toulouse-Lautrec will take you on a great trip through the work of French artists.” ~Chocolate and croissants.blogspot.
“I highly recommend this lavish exhibition alum for anyone with an interest in ‘la vie moderne,’ French art history, or simply art itself!” ~invitinghistorybookreviews.blogspot
