PDF Summary:Paris in Ruins, by Sebastian Smee

The turbulent years of 1870–1871 in Paris set the stage for social and artistic upheaval. In Paris in Ruins, Sebastian Smee recounts the impact of the Franco-Prussian War, the Siege of Paris, and the Parisian Commune on French society and painters like Manet, Morisot, and Courbet.

After France's military defeats, a failed revolutionary government emerged, the Paris Commune. The violent crushing of the Commune left the city traumatized. Smee examines how this "terrible year" shaped Impressionism as a new generation of artists rebelled against academic art in favor of depicting the fleeting moments of modern life.

(continued)...

Context

• By targeting the Church, the Commune aimed to dismantle what it saw as a pillar of the old order, symbolizing a break from traditional power structures and aligning with revolutionary ideals.
• The Church's perceived alignment with oppressive regimes contributed to its unpopularity among the working class and radical groups, who felt marginalized by the existing power structures.
• The Commune's anticlerical stance contributed to its isolation, as it alienated potential allies who might have supported its social reforms but were put off by its aggressive secularism.
• Thiers used the Commune's radical actions to rally support for a military response, portraying the Commune as a dangerous and illegitimate regime that threatened the social and moral order of France.
• As a respected public figure, Hugo's stance would have influenced public opinion, potentially swaying moderates who were undecided about the Commune's actions.

Courbet's Influence on the Commune's Cultural Policy

Smee describes Courbet's leadership in the Communal government. The author points out that, before the war between France and Prussia, Courbet had already been an outspoken advocate for the kinds of democratic, radical reforms that the Commune enacted. His position on its council and his public statements during the siege made him, to the conservative press, a figurehead for the radical left's repudiation of the Versailles regime. As president of a commission devoted to the preservation of works of art in Paris, Courbet had publicly advocated demolishing the Vendôme monument, a column that he saw as representing Bonapartism. When the Commune lost, charges were brought against him, leading to his imprisonment and eventual exile.

Smee makes clear that in many ways Courbet was a mouthpiece for the exact reforms that Manet and the Impressionists had advocated for since the 1860s. He was intent on wresting control from the state to establish new institutions for art that would be overseen by artists themselves and would favor freedom of expression over a hierarchical system that favored traditional art forms. Despite despising war and violence, Courbet didn't recognize that his ambitions could only be enacted in the fragile, rapidly shifting environment of a political coup that was unlikely to succeed over time.

Context

• Gustave Courbet was a leading figure in the Realist movement in 19th-century French painting. His work often depicted ordinary people and everyday scenes, challenging the traditional subjects and styles favored by the French Academy.
• The Versailles regime refers to the French government led by Adolphe Thiers, which was based in Versailles during the Commune. It represented the conservative and monarchist forces in France, opposing the radical changes proposed by the Commune.
• The Vendôme Column was erected by Napoleon I to commemorate the victory of the Battle of Austerlitz. It was modeled after Trajan's Column in Rome and symbolized military glory and imperial power.
• The idea of artists controlling their own institutions was revolutionary at the time, as it challenged the established power structures and promoted artistic innovation and diversity.
• Following his imprisonment, Courbet went into self-imposed exile in Switzerland to avoid further punishment and financial ruin. He spent the rest of his life there, continuing to paint until his death in 1877.
• The Commune's brief existence was marked by intense political instability and conflict. The French government, determined to suppress the Commune, launched a brutal military assault known as the "Semaine Sanglante" (Bloody Week), which led to the Commune's downfall and the execution or exile of many of its supporters.

The Increasing Violence and Rise of Jacobinism Within the Commune

The author recounts the way power within the community slipped from moderate (and essentially libertarian) supporters of Proudhon to a more violent Jacobin faction, led by Flourens, Pyat, and Rigault. These revolutionaries drew inspiration from the ideology of the Jacobins during the French Revolutionary period and wanted the state to have more power. With the Versaillais army closing in and the Commune's military situation deteriorating, the Jacobins were quick to use the Committee of Public Safety (a deliberate historical allusion to the Terror) to seize assets, make arrests, and issue decrees. This in turn fueled the already ravenous, anti-Commune sentiment of the forces heading toward Paris.

Context

• Rigault was a revolutionary known for his role as the head of police during the Commune. He was infamous for his harsh measures against perceived enemies of the Commune.
• Prominent leaders of the original Jacobin movement included Maximilien Robespierre, Georges Danton, and Jean-Paul Marat, who were instrumental in directing the course of the revolution and the policies of the Reign of Terror.
• The shift towards Jacobinism within the Commune represented a move away from more moderate, libertarian ideals towards authoritarianism, reflecting a belief that only a strong state could ensure the survival and success of the revolutionary government.
• Originally established during the French Revolution, this committee was responsible for protecting the newly established republic against foreign attacks and internal rebellion, often through severe and authoritarian means.
• The Commune faced shortages of weapons, ammunition, and other essential supplies, which weakened its ability to sustain prolonged military engagement.
• The memory of the French Revolution's violence and upheaval was still fresh in the 19th century, making any association with Jacobinism particularly alarming to those who valued stability and feared a repeat of past horrors.

How the 1870–71 Conflict Affected French Art

Smee argues that in accounting for the emergence of Impressionism, it's necessary to understand the impact of the Franco-Prussian War on individual artists and their sense of what art could do in a society convulsed by trauma.

Fear, Despondency, and Creative Inertia Among Veteran Artists

The author recounts the mood of despondency and emotional exhaustion felt by older artists such as Puvis de Chavannes, Gustave Doré, Carpeaux, and Moreau. These established artists slowed, if not halted, production almost completely. The small number of works they completed were often more compact and featured subdued palettes. Their creative lives and relationships were disrupted. They expressed feeling continually tired and desiring solitude.

Smee points out that even Gustave Courbet, the artist who arguably did more than anyone else to champion radical political change, was crushed by the weight of events. His imprisonment and exile after the Commune weren't the worst parts. Most galling was the discovery that decades of agitation and public demonstrations had done almost nothing to alter the deeper trajectory. The "great stupidity of Paris," as Flaubert called it, to which he had given such vivid expression, appeared impervious to art.

Other Perspectives

• The reduction in the quantity of work produced by these artists does not necessarily correlate with a decline in the quality or significance of their work; some artists may produce fewer but more impactful pieces later in their careers.
• The interpretation of subdued palettes as a sign of despondency could be subjective, as color choices can be multifaceted and open to different artistic interpretations.
• The desire for solitude and experiences of fatigue could be influenced by personal circumstances or health issues unrelated to their careers as artists.
• Courbet's feelings of despondency could have been a common sentiment among many individuals of his time, not just artists or political activists, due to the turbulent historical context.
• The statement underestimates the potential trauma and hardship of imprisonment and exile, which can have long-lasting effects on an individual's mental and physical well-being.
• The value of Courbet's efforts for political change should not be solely measured by the immediate alterations in the political landscape but also by the discussions, thoughts, and awareness they generated among the public.
• Art often has a subtle and long-term impact that may not be immediately visible, suggesting that the influence of art on society can be profound but gradual.

Art's Role in a Society in Crisis

Smee asks what role art might play after such an abject social and wartime breakdown. Many critics and commentators called on artists to embrace a mode of large-scale, even heroic art—art that could bring dignity to suffering, elevate morale, and inspire national renewal. Yet some preferred a subtler, more sensitive response. Jean-François Millet, a highly esteemed artist of the older generation, and a touchstone to the future Impressionists, urged younger artists to focus on "natural things, because there is always something solid there." This stood in stark contrast to history painting, which depicted stories to inspire reverence for the past. Smee sees a clear connection between Millet's advice and the Impressionists' focus on depicting the here and now.

Context

• The role of art in crisis can also be therapeutic, offering both creators and viewers a way to process trauma and find meaning amidst chaos.
• In some cases, governments have commissioned large-scale art to promote nationalism and propaganda, using it to convey messages of strength and unity to both domestic and international audiences.
• The call for a subtler response aligns with movements like Impressionism, which emphasized capturing fleeting moments and the effects of light, rather than grand historical narratives.
• Millet was part of the Barbizon School, which emphasized realism and the depiction of rural life, influencing the later development of Impressionism.
• Millet's advice reflects a broader philosophical movement towards realism and authenticity in art, valuing personal experience and observation over historical or mythological idealization.

Impressionism: Rebelling Against Government-Sponsored Art and Celebrating the Mundane

The new, younger painters—Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Alfred Sisley, Camille Pissarro, Berthe Morisot, and Paul Cézanne—clearly saw what happened in 1870–71 as a turning point. They remained determined to depict modern life as they experienced it, yet they refused grand narratives, preferring instead to illustrate what they saw all around them, in ways that were personal and direct. Following Millet's advice, they painted a world of "natural things"—trees, gardens, rivers, and fields of flowers, but also bustling city scenes.

The urgency with which they set about their work reflected not only an instinctive resistance to the mood of gloom and soul-searching that was overwhelming French society after the disastrous period, but also a conviction that their mission was about more than mere depiction. They intended to liberate art from its association with state power, from hierarchies of taste and artistic authority that had been co-opted by the conservative establishment, and, more generally, from the lies of politicians who were ready to send children to die for hopeless causes. They were focused, above all, on "sincerity"—a word often used to praise Impressionism—whose opposite was the cynicism and self-delusion they perceived in politics.

Context

• The period following the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871) was marked by political instability and social upheaval in France. The defeat and the subsequent Paris Commune uprising led to a questioning of traditional values and institutions, including art.
• During this period, France was undergoing rapid industrialization and urbanization. The Impressionists were interested in depicting the changing landscapes and the impact of modernity on both rural and urban settings.
• Innovations such as portable paint tubes and new pigments allowed artists to paint outdoors (en plein air), capturing natural light and scenes directly, which was a departure from the controlled studio environment favored by academic art.
• The cynicism in politics referenced by the Impressionists was partly due to the corruption and inefficiency perceived in the French government, which was seen as out of touch with the needs and realities of the populace.

French Impressionists: Manet, Morisot, Courbet's Reactions to Political and Social Events

Smee focuses on the lives and work of three painters whose lives were transformed by the turbulent events of 1870-1871: Édouard Manet, Berthe Morisot, and Gustave Courbet.

Manet's Political Ideals and Reaction to the Disastrous Year

The author gives a nuanced account of Manet's political outlook and his response to the happenings of 1870-1871. Smee portrays Manet as a passionate republican, viscerally opposed to the authoritarianism and repression enacted by the reign of Napoleon III in the time following the coup he staged in 1851.

Manet Condemns Napoleon III Through Maximilian's Execution

In many ways, Smee argues, the Maximilian execution series was Manet's most explicitly political work. Although ostensibly a response to events that had taken place in Mexico—the disastrous culmination of Napoleon III's attempt to establish a client state in Latin America—the paintings were also a clear condemnation of Napoleon III's arrogant and cynical foreign policy and his reckless disregard for ordinary people, in Mexico but also in Paris.

In the artworks, the soldiers executing Emperor Maximilian wore French military uniforms. Their poses were lifted directly from Francisco Goya's etchings of summary executions by French troops in the Peninsular War. The piece contains little sentimentality. Rather, the work's style is detached, almost surgical, verging on cynicism. The implication throughout the series is that those pulling the trigger are in essence French soldiers taking orders directly from Napoleon III. The authorities in France found this unacceptable, so they censored all the work. When the artist made a lithograph of the same content, intending it to spread more widely, it was banned from public display.

Practical Tips

• Create a visual journal where you express your thoughts on current political issues through sketches, collages, or mixed media. Use this as a personal outlet to explore your political beliefs and how they might be communicated artistically, much like Manet did with his work. This activity doesn't require advanced artistic skills; it's about expressing your perspective in a tangible form.
• Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper to voice your opinion on a political matter, drawing parallels to historical events or figures to strengthen your argument. If a policy reminds you of past mistakes or triumphs, mention these in your letter to provide readers with a historical perspective that may influence their views.
• Use role-playing games (RPGs) to simulate historical scenarios, focusing on the attire of the characters to influence the storyline. By assigning characters clothing based on historical accuracy, such as the French military uniforms, you can explore the significance of uniforms and disguises in shaping historical narratives and outcomes. This could be done through tabletop RPGs or video games that allow for character customization.
• Create a visual mood board using images from different art periods to guide the aesthetic of a personal or community project. If you're redecorating a space, organizing a themed event, or designing a website, choose artworks that align with the desired ambiance and use them as a reference for color schemes, textures, and layouts.
• Explore the impact of cynicism in art by creating your own artwork using materials you have at home, like pencils, paint, or even digital apps, and focus on expressing a detached or cynical viewpoint. This can help you understand the emotional tone and commentary that such styles can convey, and you might discover a new avenue for personal expression or social commentary.
• You can analyze decision-making patterns in your workplace to identify who is influencing your team's actions. Start by observing meetings and communications, noting who proposes ideas that are quickly adopted without much discussion. This can reveal the 'Napoleon III' figures in your organization whose opinions may disproportionately shape team behavior.
• Explore the power of creative expression by starting a personal blog or journal where you can write freely without the constraints of censorship. This allows you to understand the impact of having a platform where your voice can be heard uncensored, and you can reflect on the difference between free and restricted expression.
• Engage in a creative writing exercise where you describe the same event or idea from multiple perspectives, emphasizing how language and tone can alter perception. Write a blog post, a poem, and a news article about the same subject and share them on different social media platforms to see which garners more attention and why.

Manet's Disillusionment and Desire to Reassert Art's Independence

Smee depicts Manet after 1870–1871 as profoundly disillusioned. The republic he desired had come to fruition, yet what was the price? And now it was under threat, first by conservative monarchists, then by extremists who instigated the Paris Commune, and finally by Thiers and the army that had been used to crush both. His self-image as a revolutionary leader in art, a bringer of truth, a visionary who might have the same impact on French painting, as, decades earlier, Delacroix and Courbet had had, was now in tatters. However, he remained determined to liberate artistic expression from the distortions and machinations of politics. His solution, from now on, would be to embrace a kind of frankness and honesty before the motif that he termed 'total sincerity.'

Practical Tips

• Reflect on a historical event that changed your perspective and create a piece of art to express that transformation. Just as Manet's disillusionment after 1870-1871 likely influenced his art, you can channel a personal or historical event that shifted your worldview into a creative endeavor. Paint, write, or compose something that captures the essence of that change.
• Reflect on your personal decisions by journaling the outcomes and their costs. Write down a significant choice you've made recently, list the benefits you've gained, and then honestly assess what you've had to give up or sacrifice to achieve this. This exercise can help you understand the trade-offs you've made and whether they align with your values.
• Protect your community's democratic values by volunteering with local organizations that promote civic education and engagement. Look for non-partisan groups that focus on educating citizens about their rights and responsibilities, encouraging voter registration, and facilitating open discussions on political issues. By contributing your time and effort, you'll be actively supporting the principles of a republic and countering threats to democratic institutions, much like the historical challenges mentioned.
• Live your truth by integrating your artistic values into your daily life. If you believe in sustainability, for example, use recycled materials in your art projects and share the process with others to inspire them to think about environmental impact. This could be as simple as creating a sculpture from discarded items or designing clothing using upcycled fabrics.
• Identify a mentor in your field of interest who embodies the qualities you admire. By observing and learning from someone who has made significant contributions to their field, you can gain insights into how to make a similar impact. For example, if you're an aspiring writer, find an author whose work has influenced the genre and study their career path, writing style, and the impact they've had on readers and other writers.
• Engage in "art swapping" with friends or community members where you exchange pieces of art that each of you has created. The only rule for the swap is that the art should represent a personal or social belief that is important to the creator. This activity promotes the sharing of ideas and values through art, encouraging dialogue and understanding among participants while celebrating individual expression.
• Start a daily "sincerity journal" where you express your thoughts and feelings without any filters. This practice will help you become more comfortable with your authentic self, which can then translate into your artistic work. For example, if you're a painter, after a week of journaling, look back at your entries and create a piece that captures the emotions from a particularly powerful entry.

Manet's Absolute Honesty in Portraits of Morisot

Smee sees Manet's 'total sincerity' as a response to the widespread dishonesty and duplicity that he had observed in the political sphere. After the Terrible Year, he abandoned the playful ironies, the showy quotations from Old Masters, and the costumes and cross-dressing that had informed so much of his best and most notorious work from the 1860s, turning instead to simple subjects rendered with straightforward and direct immediacy. His depiction of Berthe Morisot epitomized this shift.

Manet experienced a reversal in how art and life were connected, Smee argues, by his observation of the way the ideals that he and Berthe and many of their friends had shared were traduced, corrupted, and then violently snuffed out, in essence by his own people. The heartbreak was compounded by personal loss: Baudelaire's passing; the deaths of Bazille and Regnault; the scandal that had forced Courbet, his ambivalent friend and rival in art, into exile. After this prolonged night of betrayals and failures, Manet needed a new approach. It would take a private form, focused on art, on truth-telling, and on intimacy. Berthe, he saw, was now in a similar psychological place, and it was her mood of disillusioned melancholy, as much as her beauty, that he sought to capture in his portraits.

Practical Tips

• Engage in a weekly "Integrity Audit" of your social media presence. Review your posts, comments, and messages to ensure they align with your true thoughts and feelings. If you find instances where you've followed the crowd or misrepresented your views, consider revising or deleting these posts. This practice encourages you to present an authentic self online, countering the often inauthentic nature of social media interactions.
• Engage in a 'costume-free' day where you dress in your most comfortable, unadorned clothing, avoiding any fashion statements or trends. Spend the day observing how this affects your interactions and feelings about yourself. This can help you understand the impact of external appearances and the freedom that comes with shedding them.
• Start a 'Simplicity Journal' where you document one simple, yet meaningful, observation or experience each day. This could be a conversation with a friend, the way light falls on a building, or a quiet moment of reflection. The goal is to train your eye and mind to appreciate and articulate the beauty in simplicity, which can then influence your approach to larger projects and life decisions.
• Use social media to conduct a mini-study on style evolution. Choose an artist or influencer whose work you admire and scroll through their historical posts. Note changes in their visual style or content themes over time. Reflect on what might have influenced these changes and how they relate to your own experiences of change and growth.
• Write a short story or create a piece of art that flips the script on a typical day. For example, if you work in an office, imagine a scenario where the office is a stage and the workday is a performance. This exercise can help you explore the relationship between the roles we play in life and the roles depicted in art, providing a new perspective on the interplay between the two.
• Reflect on your personal values and create a visual representation to keep them in focus. Draw or paint a personal emblem that symbolizes your core beliefs and ideals. Place it somewhere you'll see daily to remind yourself to stay true to these values, even when faced with opposition or societal pressure.
• Create a support group with friends or community members who have experienced similar personal losses or betrayals. Together, you can share stories, offer empathy, and provide practical advice for coping and healing. This collective experience not only fosters a sense of community but also helps you feel less isolated in your struggles.
• Create a 'failure resume' to destigmatize setbacks and encourage innovative thinking. List out your perceived failures and the lessons learned from each. This exercise can shift your perspective from seeing failures as endpoints to viewing them as stepping stones. By openly acknowledging where things didn't go as planned, you can better prepare for future endeavors with a mindset geared towards continuous improvement and innovation.
• Implement a "Truthful Feedback" session during creative gatherings, such as book clubs or art classes, where participants are encouraged to share their honest thoughts on each other's work. This builds a culture of trust and intimacy within the group, and helps individuals improve their craft through genuine, constructive criticism. For instance, after sharing your work, ask for specific feedback on the authenticity and emotional resonance of the piece rather than just technical aspects.
• Write a short story or poem from the perspective of someone experiencing disillusioned melancholy. Imagine a character, perhaps inspired by someone you know or a fictional persona, who is going through a phase of disillusionment. Describe their surroundings, their thoughts, and how they interact with the world. This exercise can deepen your empathy and understanding of such emotions, and it can be a creative outlet for exploring complex feelings.

Berthe Morisot's Ambitions and Her Bond With Manet

Smee describes the bond that Berthe Morisot and Manet shared as being rooted in love, mutual respect, and fierce artistic ambition. However, the relationship was constrained from the outset by insurmountable impediments.

Challenges to Morisot's Career as a Woman Artist

The author points out that, as a female artist in the 1800s, Berthe Morisot faced many obstacles not confronted by her male counterparts. Due to her gender, she was not allowed in the formal institutions of French art. It meant she was unable to attend the School of Fine Arts or win the prestigious Prix de Rome, nor could she become, like Manet and Meissonier, an academy member. She was also considered too vulnerable, as an upper-class woman who was unmarried, to venture unguardedly into Paris's streets or to consort openly with artists and writers, especially those with a reputation such as Manet. It was this last problem, as well as her self-doubt and wavering confidence, that made agreeing to Manet's request to model for him in his studio such a dilemma. She, too, wanted a place inside what Baudelaire had called "modern life's heroism," yet for her as a woman, the terms were dramatically different, and she would forever be grappling with how to fulfill that desire on her own terms.

Practical Tips

• Create a visual journal documenting gender disparities in various professions. Use a simple notebook or digital app to collect and annotate instances where you notice gender-based obstacles in any field, not just art. This could include news articles, personal observations, or stories from friends and colleagues. Over time, this journal can serve as a personal record of societal patterns and may motivate you to advocate for equality in your community.
• Create a social media campaign highlighting historical and contemporary female artists who faced or are facing barriers similar to Morisot's. Use hashtags, engaging visuals, and compelling stories to raise awareness and spark conversations. This could involve weekly posts featuring different artists, their struggles, and their achievements, encouraging followers to learn more and support these artists.
• Start a book club focused on novels with strong unmarried upper-class female protagonists. This will allow you to discuss and analyze the characters' strategies for navigating public spaces and societal expectations, fostering a deeper appreciation for the historical context and its impact on personal freedoms.
• Engage in conversations with individuals who have different tastes in art and literature. This can be as simple as joining a book club that reads a variety of genres or striking up a chat with someone at a coffee shop about their favorite artist. Through dialogue, you can gain insights into why certain works resonate with others and broaden your own appreciation for diverse artistic expressions.
• Create a "confidence journal" where you document daily achievements, however small, to build a record of success. By regularly reviewing your accomplishments, you can counteract feelings of self-doubt with tangible evidence of your capabilities.
• Create a pros and cons list when confronted with a morally ambiguous situation. This simple exercise can help you visualize the potential outcomes of your decision. If a friend asks you to keep a secret that makes you uncomfortable, list the positive aspects of keeping the secret against the negative consequences to make an informed choice.
• Engage in small acts of bravery that challenge societal expectations. Start by identifying one small action you can take that feels slightly uncomfortable but promotes your growth. If you're often overlooked in group settings, commit to speaking up at least once in every meeting, or if you're an artist facing criticism, share your work publicly despite the fear of rejection.
• Set up a monthly 'Desire Audit' where you evaluate how well your current life aligns with your personal manifesto. Use a simple spreadsheet or journal to track progress and reflect on areas where you're not living on your own terms. For instance, if you notice you've been taking on projects that don't excite you just to please others, it's a sign you might be straying from your manifesto.

Morisot: Prioritizing Art Over Matrimony and Expectations

According to Smee, Berthe Morisot's choice to accept Degas's invitation to display her work in the debut Impressionist show signaled a critical turning point in her life. It mirrored a decision made after the Commune to pursue art as a career, a decision made in response to the experiences of the previous year. She witnessed how frail and fragile a woman's life could be in the face of larger social and political forces and how marrying a man whose attitudes were incompatible or might require her to abandon art, as her sister Edma had done, was to invite disaster. If she married, Berthe was resolute about not sacrificing her art.

As an artist and a woman, she was already, in the eyes of French society, an anomaly, her existence somehow in excess of what a social body can contain without erupting. The solution, though, was never simple. She needed marriage for support, she knew, not just financial, but additionally the support that allowed life to flourish in the proper ways. She also knew that finding a spouse was her sole means of escaping the indignities of spinsterhood. It was her life's greatest impasse. Despite this, she persisted.

Practical Tips

• Create a "Turning Point Journal" where you document daily actions and decisions, no matter how small, and review them weekly to assess their impact. This practice can help you become more aware of how your choices shape your life's direction. You might discover that what seemed like an insignificant decision at the time actually opened up new opportunities or relationships.
• Volunteer with a local organization that supports women's rights and empowerment. By offering your time to help with administrative tasks, event planning, or social media, you can contribute to the cause and gain a deeper understanding of the issues at hand. This hands-on experience can provide insight into the real-world implications of societal and political forces on women's lives.
• Create a weekly "commitment audit" where you review your schedule and activities to ensure they align with your core values and goals. If you find that certain engagements or responsibilities are consistently undermining your ability to focus on what's important to you, consider ways to reduce or eliminate these distractions. This might involve delegating tasks, saying no to new commitments, or restructuring your day to protect time for your priorities.
• Create a shared financial vision with your partner by scheduling regular money meetings to discuss goals, budgets, and financial planning. This fosters a sense of teamwork and ensures both partners are actively engaged in the financial aspect of support. For example, set a monthly "finance date" where you review your budget, track your savings progress, and adjust your spending habits together.
• Volunteer for community service projects or events, which often attract a diverse group of people. This not only allows you to contribute to a cause you care about but also puts you in a position to meet others who share your values, potentially leading to meaningful connections.
• Establish a personal manifesto that outlines your commitment to your art and the reasons why it takes precedence over other societal expectations. This document serves as a reminder of your values and goals, and can be referred to whenever you're faced with decisions that could detract from your artistic priorities.

Morisot's "Gloomy Days": Exploring Close Connections and Fleeting Moments

The themes in Morisot's pieces increasingly addressed the experiences and concerns that dominated her life. After the war, she moved away from landscape and focused instead on paintings of girls, women, families, domestic interiors, and enclosed gardens. The pieces embodied intimacy but also that same sense of life's delicacy that the Impressionists expressed in their landscapes.

In her paintings, she explored not just the beauty of light and color, but the fugitive nature of happiness, the bittersweet, vulnerable glow that accompanies transitional phases. She painted young women transitioning to adulthood, women gazing through windows or at blooming trees, people lingering at entrances, and children playing with butterflies. In addition, they were pointers, in the setting of a fractured and unsettled society emerging from a terrible disaster, to those experiences that matter the most yet can never be retrieved, reassembled, or truly explained—except, perhaps, in art.

Practical Tips

• Capture the essence of your daily surroundings by photographing or sketching scenes from your home or garden each day for a month. Pay attention to how light, colors, and arrangements change over time. This practice can heighten your appreciation for the mundane and help you notice subtle changes, akin to Morisot's focus on domestic interiors and enclosed gardens.
• Organize a 'Happiness Flash Mob' in a public space. Gather a group of people to create a spontaneous event where everyone expresses a happy moment through dance, music, or art. This can be a powerful way to illustrate the ephemeral nature of joy and the communal experience of art.
• Engage in mindful observation walks where you focus on finding and appreciating moments of transition in your community, like a new business opening or an old building being renovated. Take notes or voice memos on your observations, reflecting on how these changes mirror your own personal growth or societal shifts.
• Partner with a local artist to co-create a piece that embodies a significant event or period in your life. This collaboration can result in a unique artwork that serves as a personal reminder of your experiences and the broader societal context. It's a way to process emotions and connect with others who share similar stories, bridging gaps in understanding within a fractured society.

Courbet as a Change Agent

The author recounts the ways that the Paris Commune brought together, then finally exposed the contradictions in Gustave Courbet's life's output.

Courbet's Anti-Authoritarianism and Contempt For Government Control

Smee portrays Gustave Courbet as an ardent republican who was as much a libertarian as he was a socialist. He was consistently skeptical of any government systems, and in particular, he opposed any attempts by government authorities to influence art or creators. For decades, prior to the war between France and Prussia, it was he, Courbet, more than any other artist, who had campaigned against the conservative establishment's control over the official French art system, and above all, over the academy and the Salon. So when the Commune of Paris was established, Courbet was quick to embrace the opportunity to reform.

Practical Tips

• Volunteer with a community mural project that aims to raise awareness about a local political issue. By contributing to a collective artwork, you can experience firsthand the power of art as a tool for political expression and community engagement. Your participation could range from helping to organize the project to actually painting part of the mural.
• Collaborate with a local café or bookstore to host a monthly "Artists Unleashed" event. This event would feature artwork, performances, or readings from artists who are looking to break away from conventional art forms. By providing a physical space for these artists, you're helping to create a local ecosystem that supports innovation and challenges the status quo in art.
• Create a virtual gallery on social media to showcase works that defy conventional standards. Use platforms like Instagram or Pinterest to highlight and support artists, thinkers, or creators who push boundaries and offer fresh, unconventional ideas.
• Create a personal 'reform journal' to document areas in your life you wish to improve. Regularly review and update your progress, setting specific goals for personal reform in areas such as health, finance, or education. This mirrors the proactive approach to reform and can lead to significant personal growth.

Other Perspectives

• Libertarianism as a political philosophy is often associated with the protection of private property rights, whereas Courbet's involvement in the Commune, which advocated for communal ownership, could be seen as at odds with libertarian principles.
• The term "socialist" can encompass a wide range of political philosophies, and without specific evidence of Courbet's support for particular socialist policies or principles, it may be an oversimplification to label him as such.
• Skepticism towards government systems does not necessarily equate to a complete rejection of all forms of governance; it could imply a desire for reform or the establishment of a system that aligns more closely with one's values and principles.
• State-sponsored programs can help preserve cultural heritage and ensure that the arts continue to be an integral part of national identity.

Courbet's Campaign to Bring Down the Vendôme Column

The author argues that Courbet's part in choosing to dismantle the Vendome Column epitomized his political ideals and those regarding art. The year before, he had urged the column's removal, denouncing it as a symbol of Bonapartism. It was an extraordinarily provocative suggestion, since many viewed it as a potent symbol of French military glory.

To Courbet, however, it represented militarism and the hated Napoleon I's vanity and overreach. Courbet presided over the elaborate ceremony, and Courbet's name, above all others, would be linked, for decades, to the act.

Context

• Bonapartism refers to the political ideology associated with Napoleon Bonaparte and his followers, characterized by authoritarian rule, nationalism, and the centralization of power. It often evokes the legacy of the Napoleonic Empire and its military conquests.
• For many French citizens, especially those who supported the Bonapartist regime, the column was a source of national pride and a reminder of France's historical dominance in Europe.
• The dismantling of the Vendôme Column was a controversial act that divided public opinion. It was seen by some as a necessary rejection of imperialism and by others as an attack on French heritage and history.

Courbet's Imprisonment and Exile Following the Paris Commune

Smee describes Courbet's fate following the Commune. Having escaped the fate met by others on the Commune council, he was imprisoned and later held responsible for the full expense of restoring the column. His possessions were confiscated, and he was compelled to go into exile. The artist died in Switzerland in 1877, a mere six years following Bloody Week, his reputation in tatters.

Practical Tips

• Explore historical parallels by researching a local historical event that led to significant social or political change and visit the related sites to better understand the context and consequences. For example, if you live in Boston, you might delve into the history of the Boston Tea Party and walk the Freedom Trail to see where the events unfolded.
• Establish a "responsibility fund" by setting aside a small percentage of your income each month. This fund is specifically for covering any costs that may arise from being held responsible for an action or event, similar to how Courbet was held responsible for restoration expenses. For instance, if you volunteer at events, this fund could cover any accidental damages that might occur.
• Educate yourself on your legal rights regarding property and asset seizure. Knowing the laws in your jurisdiction can empower you to take preventative measures or respond effectively if your possessions are threatened. You might attend a local seminar on property rights or read up on current legislation to stay informed.
• Create a visual art piece that represents your interpretation of exile, whether physical, emotional, or intellectual. Use any medium you're comfortable with, such as painting, drawing, or digital art. This activity allows you to explore the concept of exile through a creative lens and can serve as a conversation starter with others about the theme of resilience in the face of forced change.
• Create a personal timeline of influential figures who have shaped your interests or values, similar to how you might learn about Courbet's life and death. This exercise can help you reflect on the progression of your own life and the various influences that have shaped your worldview.
• Create a visual timeline of your life's challenges and successes. Use colors or symbols to mark periods of difficulty and triumph, visually reinforcing the idea that setbacks can precede or coincide with achievements. This could be as simple as a hand-drawn chart where a period of unemployment is followed by a bold star representing the start of a fulfilling career path.

Impressionism Debuts to Mixed Reception Following the 1870–71 "Terrible Year"

Smee recounts the ways that the initial Impressionist show at Nadar's studio was interpreted, both as an artistic phenomenon and as a political statement.

The First Impressionist Show (Société Anonyme, 1874)

The author portrays the show as stemming from a decade-long dialogue among artists seeking to escape the hierarchical structures of government-sponsored art in France, led by the academy and its annual Salon exhibition.

Charter Gives Artists Control Over Exhibitions

Smee recounts Pissarro and Degas's work to found a fair and autonomous society for artists. Frustrated by the academy's selection-by-jury process and angered by the conservatism of recent Salons, they wanted a fresh institution in which artists themselves would take charge of the exhibition process. Their manifesto was deliberately egalitarian: it would be open to anyone willing to pay a nominal charge of five francs a month. There wouldn't be any selection criteria. Regarding the hanging of the works, the spaces would be assigned to artists by drawing lots.

In numerous respects, the Société Anonyme's agenda mirrored that of the Commune, specifically the Proudhonist belief in local autonomy. It could be thought of as an expression of the same desire for self-determination, but in the realm of culture rather than politics.

Context

• The conservatism of the Salons meant that they were resistant to new artistic movements such as Impressionism, which sought to capture modern life and light in innovative ways. This resistance stifled the careers of many artists who were pushing the boundaries of traditional art.
• The traditional Salon system often determined an artist's financial success. By creating their own exhibitions, artists could directly reach patrons and buyers, potentially leading to greater financial stability and recognition.
• Five francs a month was a relatively modest fee at the time, intended to make participation accessible to a wide range of artists, including those who were not wealthy or well-connected.
• The system of drawing lots for exhibition space was intended to ensure fairness and impartiality, preventing any bias or favoritism in the placement of artworks.
• By removing selection criteria and using a lottery system, the process democratized art exhibitions, allowing for a more diverse range of artistic expressions and contributing to the development of modern art.
• Pierre-Joseph Proudhon was a French philosopher and socialist who advocated for mutualism and local autonomy. His ideas influenced the Paris Commune, emphasizing decentralized power and cooperative management of resources.

Alternative to Salon at Nadar's Studio

Smee describes the exhibition as a mixed bag. Over two hundred paintings, drawings, prints, and sculptures by thirty artists were on display. Many of the creators were known only by their friends. However, around 25% of the pieces came from a central group that had spent over ten years struggling to forge a new approach. Renoir, Monet, Sisley, Pissarro, Cézanne, and Berthe Morisot were all in the exhibition alongside Degas, who was among its prime organizers and was responsible for inviting Berthe Morisot.

The show's reception was closely tied to recent history. People who attended to find out what was going on were acutely aware that the dates of the exhibition had been deliberately chosen to overlap with the Salon, which it was tacitly presented as challenging. They were also aware of Nadar's role in defending Paris and the link between republicanism and avant-garde art.

Context

• The term "mixed bag" suggests that the exhibition featured a variety of styles and quality, reflecting the diverse approaches of the artists involved, who were experimenting with new techniques and perspectives.
• The choice of Nadar's studio as the venue was symbolic, as Nadar was a well-known figure in Parisian society and a supporter of new artistic ideas, providing a space that was both unconventional and accessible.
• The art world at the time was highly centralized in Paris, and without the endorsement of influential critics or institutions, many artists remained obscure to the broader public.
• This group faced significant criticism and rejection from the established art community, which favored more classical and historical subjects and techniques.
• Edgar Degas played a crucial role in organizing the exhibition, using his influence to bring together artists who shared a vision of challenging traditional art norms.
• Berthe Morisot was one of the few prominent female artists in the Impressionist circle. Her inclusion in the exhibition highlighted the movement's progressive stance on gender roles in art, as she was recognized for her talent in a male-dominated field.
• The exhibition's timing and location were politically charged, as the artists and organizers were associated with republican ideals, which were in opposition to the conservative values of the ruling classes. This political dimension added another layer to the public's reception of the show.
• By choosing the same dates, the organizers aimed to attract attention from critics and the public who were already in the city for the Salon, thereby maximizing exposure and provoking discussion about the new art movement.
• During the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871), Paris was besieged by Prussian forces. Nadar played a significant role by using his expertise in ballooning to establish a balloon mail service, which was crucial for communication between the besieged city and the outside world.

Exhibition's Mixed Reception Tied To Commune by Conservatives

Smee recounts how the Impressionism exhibit was received by critics, commentators, and society. There was no clear consensus. Many attendees of the show had already seen work by Manet and his followers, but they treated the works as something both new and shocking.

The artists were initially described, with deliberate disdain, as "plein air" painters, and then, by the conservative critic Chaumelin (writing in a republican organ, no less) as Intransigents, "who shield themselves with their inadequacy." The label "Intransigent," used to stigmatize Commune rebels, carried political significance. It suggested that the emerging artists were a danger to society and that their agenda could only be interpreted as politically extremist. To see their work was to risk associating oneself with people who had been defeated, incarcerated, or compelled to leave their country.

Context

• The term "plein air" was sometimes used pejoratively by critics who viewed the technique as lacking the refinement and seriousness of traditional studio work, reflecting broader resistance to the Impressionist movement.
• Being labeled as "Intransigents" could have serious repercussions for artists, affecting their reputations, careers, and social standing. It could lead to ostracism from mainstream art circles and potential financial difficulties due to reduced patronage.
• The term "Intransigent" was historically associated with political radicals, particularly those involved in the Paris Commune of 1871, a revolutionary socialist government that briefly ruled Paris and was violently suppressed.
• The defeat of the Commune was fresh in the public memory, and anything associated with it, even indirectly, could be seen as aligning with a failed and discredited cause, affecting how people engaged with the art.

The Advent of a Fresh Painting Style

Smee describes the distinctive features of the emerging style of painting and considers the reasons for its appeal to young and old audiences in the troubled time after the Terrible Year.

Impressionist Focus on Light and Flattening Compositions

The author argues that critics got it right when they pointed to the sketchiness and unfinished quality of Impressionist paintings. The new artists were determined to dispense with everything the academy and the official exhibitions had always insisted great art needed, everything their conservative critics were hoping they might rediscover in their works: subtle tonal transitions, exquisitely modeled surfaces, straightforward storytelling, impressive topics, and most importantly, the laborious buildup of the illusion of three-dimensional space. Their focus instead was on the immediacy of optical perception and the effects of atmosphere and illumination.

For the Impressionists, the challenge was to paint light and atmosphere without denying the reality of the objects that light and atmosphere swaddled. But the more they succeeded in evoking light's fleeting, flickering quality, the flatter the finished image became, as if the solidity of the physical world had somehow been dissolved. The paintings compelled consideration of how surfaces and contours shift depending on the angle from which they're perceived, the time of day, and other, less tangible factors.

Context

• The first Impressionist exhibition took place in 1874, organized independently by the artists themselves. This was a bold move, as it bypassed the traditional Salon, the official art exhibition of the Académie des Beaux-Arts in Paris.
• The Impressionists were influenced by Japanese ukiyo-e prints, which featured flat areas of color and unconventional compositions, encouraging them to explore new perspectives and spatial arrangements.
• The focus on optical perception was partly a response to the industrial revolution and urbanization, which altered how people experienced their environments, emphasizing speed and transience.
• Prominent Impressionists included Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Edgar Degas, each of whom brought unique approaches to capturing light and atmosphere in their work.
• During the late 19th century, advancements in color theory and optics influenced artists to explore how light and color could be represented more dynamically, leading to a departure from traditional depth-focused techniques.
• The movement reflected a broader cultural shift towards modernity, where traditional, static representations of reality were questioned, and the fluid, ever-changing nature of experience was embraced.

Impressionism's Sensitivity to Lighting and Atmosphere

To make their paintings convincingly evoke ambient atmospheric conditions, the Impressionists eschewed the traditional 'black and white' tonal range, using instead touches of pinks, grays, purples, yellows, and tawny browns in place of the sooty blacks favored by conservative artists. They realized black was rarely the color seen by the eye. And yet it was precisely these cool tonalities, as noted by critics, that gave Impressionist paintings an appearance of being spectral, gossamer, lacking in solidity, and, in essence, ephemeral.

Context

• Traditional academic painting relied heavily on black for shadows and outlines. Impressionists rejected these conventions to create a more vibrant and dynamic representation of reality.
• Initially, Impressionist works were met with skepticism and ridicule at official art exhibitions like the Paris Salon. However, they gradually gained acceptance and are now celebrated for their innovative approach to capturing reality.
• They often used short, broken brushstrokes and unmixed colors to create a sense of movement and spontaneity. This technique allowed them to capture the transient effects of light and atmosphere more effectively than traditional methods.

The Honoring of Postwar Society in Impressionist Art

Smee argues that, in some ways, the Impressionists' commitment to capturing a world of "natural things" can be seen as a kind of healing, a yearning for quiet and tranquility after the violence and turmoil of the dark year. The subjects they chose—landscapes, flowers, people boating along the Seine, or children at play in gardens—were the opposite of war, mayhem, and death.

The pieces were infused with an evident love for contemporary existence, even as they subtly registered its complications and contradictions. Their subjects, moreover, reflected a new social awareness of how vital leisure was and of the beauties of the world beyond Paris that were now easily accessible by train. It seemed that after a collective night of dread and humiliation, artists and the public alike were rediscovering an appreciation, a heightened sensitivity, to the natural world, to seasons and weather, to the passage of time, and to the joys of beauty.

Practical Tips

• Start a "Natural Things" photography challenge on social media, inviting friends and followers to share images of nature and everyday life as a collective effort to find peace and healing. This not only encourages you to seek out the calming aspects of your environment but also builds a community of like-minded individuals who support each other's well-being.
• Curate a personal playlist of music that evokes the same feelings as Impressionist art. Music from the Impressionist era, like works by Debussy or Ravel, or modern tunes that embody the light, airy, and emotive qualities of the art movement can enhance your daily routine. Listening to this playlist during stressful times or while relaxing can help shift your focus away from negativity and towards a more harmonious state of mind.
• Create a visual travel diary using mixed media to document the beauties of the world you encounter in your daily life or during travels. This could involve sketching, painting, or even digital art, capturing anything from landscapes to local architecture. Share your creations on social media to inspire others to appreciate the beauty in their surroundings.

Conservative Backlash Against Impressionism

Smee explains the reasons behind some critics' and commentators' visceral rejection of Impressionist art.

Practical Tips

• Host a casual art critique evening with friends where everyone brings a print of an Impressionist painting they either like or dislike. Discuss the elements that influence your opinions and explore the reasons behind differing tastes without seeking to change minds, just to understand them.