Michelle Facos Books

The textbook offers a comprehensive introduction to nineteenth-century art, utilizing contemporary critical frameworks like feminism and Marxism. It expands beyond traditional focuses on France, Britain, and the U.S. to include Scandinavian, German, and Eastern European artists. By balancing trends with individual artworks, it situates them within their social and historical contexts, allowing for a nuanced understanding of modernity's impact on artists. Key features include data boxes, original source excerpts, over 250 color images, and online resources for deeper exploration.

Set against the backdrop of Paris, the narrative follows Michelle as she grapples with a life-changing decision between staying in a captivating city or returning to her tumultuous homelands. Initially intended as a short visit, her stay evolves into a profound sixteen-month exploration filled with self-discovery, romance, and cultural immersion. Haunted by memories of a past relationship, Michelle's journey is marked by both personal growth and a deepening connection to the enchanting city, all while navigating the complexities of her choices amidst global uncertainties.

The Symbolist art movement of the late nineteenth century forms an important bridge between Impressionism and Modernism. This book argues that Symbolism enabled artists to confront an increasingly uncertain and complex world - one to which pessimists responded with themes of decadence and degeneration and optimists with idealism and reform.