Art and politics of the Second Empire: the universal expositions of 1855 and 1867

Abstract

"In this book, Patricia Mainardi presents a new analysis of the major shift in nineteenth-century art from large public to small private works by examining the political and institutional factors taht were in effect. Mainardi brings to life the complex institutional world of official art in the mid-to late-nineteenth century, presenting the relevant individual personalities, group interests, conflicts, and shifts in policy with clarity and detail."--Jacket.

Contents

Part I: The Origins of Universal Expositions in France -- 1. Traditional Rivalries -- 2. Building the Temple of Industry -- 3. The Crystal Palace, 1851. Part III: The Universal Exposition of 1867: The Death of History Painting in France -- 13. Second Empire Art Policy: The 1860s -- 14. Industry's Revenge -- 15. Artist Malcontents -- 16. The Death of Ingres -- 17. The Death of History Painting -- 18. Landscape: The Path Not Taken -- 19. The Triumph of the Genre -- 20. The End. Part II: The Universal Exposition of 1855: The Apotheosis of Eclecticism -- 4. Second Empire Art Policy: The 1850's -- 5. Advance Planning: Getting the Show Underway -- 6. Four Heores and a Self-Made Man -- 7. Choosing the Arms of France: The Jury -- 8. Critical Theories: The Apotheosis of Eclecticism in Practice -- 9. Looking at French Art: Eclecticism in Practice -- 10. Looking at Foreign Art: Reflections in a French Mirror -- 11. Crowning the Victors -- 12. The End of an Era.