This comprehensive catalogue retraces the important moments in the history of 19^th century art. Its original presentation brings to life the paintings of the Orsay Museum collection, namely.

- The history of the major movements in painting from 1848 to 1914 : academism, the Barbizon school, Realism, Impressionism, Neoimpressionism, Nabis, Symbolism ;

- The life and background of more than 80 artists : Millet, Courbet, Manet, Monet, Cézanne, Renoir, Van Gogh, Degas, Gauguin, Bonnard,Vuillard...

- The main themes developed by the painters : landscapes, nudes, still-life, painting the intimate, modem style, etc.

Indispensable reading for those who wish to fully comprehend the Orsay Museum's extensive collection.