A Companion to French Art

For more than two centuries, French art has played a pivotal role in global artistic movements and their histories. A Companion to French Art is an indispensable guide to this rich and dynamic history. Edited by leading experts Richard Taws and Natalie Adamson, this volume offers 30 original essays that examine French art and culture across a diverse array of objects and media, including architecture, painting, sculpture, photography, film, ceramics, and fashion.

This volume reveals how French art is situated within a broader global context. It redefines traditional narratives by incorporating transnational and interdisciplinary approaches. Contributions by established and emerging scholars offer fresh perspectives on familiar subjects while exploring lesser-known works and archives. From the French Revolution to the twenty-first century, in-depth essays explore a wide range of critical approaches to issues of nationhood, materiality, space, temporality, gender, and empire.

Essential for art historians, researchers, and professionals, A Companion to French Art is perfect for both foundational and advanced study. It is an excellent text for undergraduate surveys, upper-level courses, and postgraduate research, as well as a valuable reference for curators, archivists, and museum professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of French art and its histories.