Art in Paris, 1845-62: Salons and Other Exhibitions Reviewed by Charles Baudelaire

Description

In the world of art criticism, Charles Baudelaire emerges as a luminary figure, hailed as “the father of modern art criticism.” Eschewing the sterile confines of cold analysis, Baudelaire champions a vibrant, impassioned, and politically charged approach, infused with the charm of poetry and amusement. His discourse resonates with the thrill of personal engagement, each word a brushstroke painting the canvas of aesthetic experience.

Within the pages of this newly reimagined paperback edition, Baudelaire’s vibrant accounts of Parisian art exhibitions between 1845 and 1862 unfold like a gallery of vivid impressions. From the grandeur of the Salons to the spectacle of the Exposition Universelle, Baudelaire’s keen eye captures the essence of each artistic epoch with eloquence and originality.

Jonathan Mayne’s translation breathes life into Baudelaire’s prose, preserving the spontaneity and fervor of the original French. With meticulously curated notes, Mayne guides English-speaking readers through the labyrinthine corridors of Baudelaire’s thought, inviting them to embark on their own journey of discovery into the captivating world of art and aesthetics.