Paris in Ruins

Set against the tumultuous events of Paris from 1870 to 1871, Paris in Ruins explores how the city’s siege and the Paris Commune influenced a generation of Impressionist artists. Through vivid storytelling, Sebastian Smee chronicles the experiences of iconic figures like Manet, Morisot, Degas, Monet, and Pissarro, revealing how their perspectives on life and art were shaped by this turbulent period. The book highlights how chaos and catastrophe can ignite artistic innovation, leaving a lasting impact on the history of modern art.