The Century of the Impressionists [antikvár]

William Turner Venice. View of the « Piazzetta ». c, 1840 Tate Gallery. London THE FORERUXXERS T SUPREMACY OF SEXTIMENT LAXDSCAPE-PAIXTERS THE EXGLISH he 19th century was a great century for French Art. David, Ingres and Delacroix made a deep impression on it, alternating the Classical and the Romantic. But profound as the effect of these geniuses may have been, the most significant event was lf\-vpressionism, not because ot its exponents, who were perhaps no greater than the painters we have just mentioned, but because of its new way of thinking about painting. Previous conceptions were to be completely changed, and in their place one sees nothing less than the birth of Modern Art and a certain form of civilization. The essential role given to the author of a work of art, and the independence of the artist witli regard to the public - these belong essentially to the 19th century; they are a Romantic affirmation that proclaims the supremacy of the individual, even when he is opposed to the world that surrounds him. The Classical attitude is one of acceptance of the outside world, which enjoys the authority of a preconceived order.