By Francis Frascina (writer), Nigel Blake (writer), Briony Fer (writer), Tamar Garb (writer), Charles Harrison (writer), Isabel Benassar (translator)

This work analyzes the history of French painting in the nineteenth century trying to define what is modern about that painting and what it lies in, relating it to the transformations of Paris -especially under the auspices of Baron Haussman-, with the mentality and uses of the bourgeoisie of the moment, and with the ability of that painting to reflect all the changes that were taking place in the environment and in society.