In his later career he returned to rural themes, although his last major work showed Les Halles, the main market in Paris at the time.
Zola
A precocious artist whose Naturalist paintings showed the harsh realities of rural poverty and hard labour. A friend of Zola, he also painted leading figures in science.
Probably the best-known of those who showed work at the First Impressionist Exhibition, he was an influential art critic, writer and painter, best remembered now for his sculpture.
First published just before Christmas 1843, it’s probably the most successful Christmas story in English. Here illustrated by Arthur Rackham.
In this period, he painted some of the most sublime Impressionist landscapes, their mood and tone set by the sky.
His first five years of 19 at or near Moret-sur-Loing. Sisley always painted the sky first, as it set the scene and mood of the painting.
Starting with one of the great problem paintings of the 19th century, he went on to paint hunting scenes, a pair of prostitutes, and a reckless gambler.
Belgium was heavily industrialised: he shows its coal miners, including women, their villages, steel foundries, and more.
Illustrated summary of the 8 articles in this series, links to articles on specific themes, alphabetical list and links for artists, and recommended books.
From its publication just before Christmas in 1843, Dickens’ story has been hugely popular and extensively illustrated. One set by Arthur Rackham is unquestionably fine art.
