Painters and Public Life in Eighteenth-Century Paris

This original book examines how the ambitions of artists in eighteenth-century France were affected by public opinions about the arts—the tastes of the art critics, of the state, and of the crowds who visited art salons. Among the many artists whose work is discussed and portrayed are Watteau, Greuze, and David.

“One of the most important books on its subject to have appeared in the last 20 years or so. Indeed, it is probably going to make an impact on art history in general and may well come to be considered one of the ‘classics’ of our discipline.”—Linda Nochlin, Art in America

"This is an example of the social history of art as it should be written, by someone with a deep and extensive knowledge of both subjects. . . . [Crow's] book is as important for those who want to understand the French Revolution as for historians of French painting."—Norman Hampson, History

"This is without any question the most impressive and stimulating study of eighteenth-century French art that has appeared in recent times.  Its great strength and virtue is that is essays an interpretation of its subject that is firmly and subtly grounded in the social and the political. . . . It should transform our perception and, especially, the teaching of the period. . . . An inspirational bench mark."—Richard Wrigley, Art History