One of the art world's most recognizable and popularstyles, Impressionism is also one of the most complex. Inthis sumptuous overview Norbert Wolf lends his attentionto all aspects of Impressionism: its historical precursors,contemporary rivals, and the movements it inspired. Over 200reproductions of entire works and highlighted details introducereaders to the Impressionists' aesthetics and techniques. Wolfdraws insightful parallels between these paintings and othercontemporary works of music, photography, and literature.Charting the movement's expansion from France to the restof Europe and North America, this volume shines a spotlighton the main protagonists who were key in the developmentof Impressionism. It highlights not only the French pioneers-Claude Monet, Gustave Caillebotte, Édouard Manet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Camille Pissarro, and others-but alsoMax Liebermann, Lovis Corinth, John Singer Sargent, MaryCassatt, William Merritt Chase, and James McNeill Whistler.Authoritative and illuminating, this wide-ranging exploration ofImpressionism's astounding impact on art history will surpriseeven the most seasoned aficionado.