A fresh approach to nineteenth-century European painting; lusciously illustrated, it offers a comprehensive overview of the century's artistic innovation This extensive survey also includes biographies for each of the artists Nineteenth-Century European Painting: From Barbizon to Belle Epoque represents a comprehensive guide to the range of stylistically diverse genres of nineteenth-century European painting. Accessible and insightful, this exquisitely illustrated volume presents the historical context behind the century's essential artistic movements including Romantic Painting, The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, Realist Painting, Academic Painting, and Impressionist Painting. Influenced by an overwhelming wave of political, military and social change, nineteenth-century Europe represented an era more diverse in painterly subjects and styles than any before it. Indeed, it was a period that saw many European painters moving away from the strictures of the academy system, choosing instead to use their training to develop new techniques and traditions. A collection of independent stories, this book also outlines the unique progression between the different movements, exciting and enlightening the reader about the most magnificent period of art the world has ever known. Contents: Foreword; Dr. Vern G. Swanson; Introduction; Author's Note; STYLES: The Barbizon School; Romantic Painting; Orientalist Painting; The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood; Realist Painting; Academic Painting; Impressionist Painting; The Newlyn School; Post-Impressionist Painting; SUBJECTS: Landscape Painting; Venetian View Painting; Maritime Painting; Sporting Painting; Animal Painting; Genre Painting; Cardinal Painting; Costume Painting; British Neoclassical Revival Painting; Belle Epoque Painting; Conclusion; Endnotes; Bibliography. Considered one of the world's foremost experts on 18th- and 19th-century European and American antiques, fine art and jewelry, Bill Rau has worked in his family-owned gallery, M.S Rau Antiques, for over 30 years. An avid collector and authority in his field, Bill has helped place several items in museums around the world. In addition to being a prominent member of many local business organizations, he was the youngest senior member ever accepted to the American Society of Appraisers. In addition to writing numerous articles published in a wide variety of national magazines and antique journals.