Since then I have endeavoured, by precept and by example, to preach the doctrine of Impressionism, particularly in England, where it is so little known and appreciated. It has always seemed to me astonishing that an art which has shown such magnificent proofs of virility, which has long been accepted at its true value on the Continent and in America, should be comparatively neglected in my own country. A stimulating propaganda being needed, I invaded for a short time the domain of the writer on art, a sphere of activity for which I feel myself none too well equipped. For years, as a hobby, I had collected all manner of documents bearing upon the subject of Impressionism, and the mass of material which thus accumulated formed the basis for several articles which have appeared under my name in the English magazines. To the Editors of the _Pall Mall Magazine_, the _Artist_, and the _Studio_, I must tender my best thanks for the leave, so courteously given, to incorporate the substance of the respective articles in this volume. Many of the pictures which illustrate these pages are unique, having been reproduced for the first time, the photographs not being for public sale. I have to acknowledge my sincere obligations to Miss Mary Cassatt, Messieurs Durand-Ruel (who have given me much personal assistance), George Petit, Bernheim jeune, Maxime Maufra, Alexander Harrison, Paul Chevallier, Lucien Sauphar, Emile Claus, Max Liebermann, and, indeed, to all the artists illustrated, for permission to use the photographs of their works. To Miss Mary Cassatt, and Messieurs Claude Monet, Emile Claus, and Max Liebermann I am also indebted for the loan of valuable pictures, and also for permission to reproduce them in colours. Without such aid it would have been impossible to produce satisfactorily any account of Impressionism. I trust that this volume may be of real service in the cause of art education, and that it may introduce to an extended circle of art-lovers the masterpieces of the great artists who founded and are continuing Impressionist Painting. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CONTENTS PAGE DEDICATION v PREFACE vii LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS xi LIST OF PORTRAITS xv CHAP. I. THE EVOLUTION OF THE IMPRESSIONISTIC IDEA 1 II. JONGKIND, BOUDIN, AND CÉZANNE 9 III. EDOUARD MANET (1832-1883) 17 IV. THE IMPRESSIONIST GROUP, 1870-1886 31 V. CLAUDE MONET 37 VI. PISSARRO, RENOIR, SISLEY 49