Arguably the most important movement in the history of modern art, Impressionism changed the way audiences perceived painting. This elegant and portable book overflows with images and information about the movement’s leading figures, tracing its development as different artists took up the challenge of redefining light and space in two dimensions, revealing the role of recent scientific discoveries, the changing landscape of Paris, and how audiences reacted to this seismic shift. The work of Manet, Monet, Renoir, Pissarro, Sisley, Caillebotte, Degas, Morisot, Seurat and others are given special attention, with generous, full-page illustrations of their masterpieces. Chronologically arranged, the book provides important biographical detail on the aritsts and describes historic events in the context of the latest scholarship. It also includes suggestions for further reading.

Florian Heine is a photographer, art historian, and author of several books about art, architecture and photography. He wrote the screenplay for the TV series The First Time: How New Things Came into Art, which was based on one of his books. As a photographer, he works in the fields of art, advertising, and industry. His many books for Prestel include 13 Architects Children Should Know, Photography: The Groundbreaking Moments and The Art of Illusion.