Modern art, 1851-1929 : capitalism and representation

The rise of the major European avant-garde groups the Realists, Impressionists, Post-Impressionists, Symbolists, Cubists, and Surrealists between 1851 to 1929, was also a time of rapid social, economic, and political change, encompassing a revolution in communication systems and technology, and an unprecedented growth in the availability of printed images. Richard Brettell's innovative account explores the aims and achievements of artists such as Monet, Picasso, Gauguin, and Dali in relation to urban capitalism and expansion, colonialism, nationalism and internationalism, and the museum. Tracing common themes of representation, imagination, perception, and sexuality across works in a wide range of different media he presents a fresh approach to the fine art and photography of this remarkable era.