American painters in Paris

This course considers the significance of American painters working in Paris during the mid to late 19th century. By the 1860s, Paris was an international art hub attracting visitors from abroad as well as from various regions in France. It has been recorded that in 1888 alone, one thousand Americans undertook the journey across the Atlantic to experience at first hand the phenomenon of the Paris artworld. Not only did the capital offer the attraction of the enormous Salon exhibitions; there were also alternative exhibitions elsewhere in the city, which appealed not only to art lovers, but equally to artists who aspired to show their works and extend their reputations beyond America. The capital also offered budding artists learning opportunities in numerous art schools and artists’ teaching studios as well as the prospect of copying from outstanding works at the Louvre. Attracting so many national and international visitors and residents, Paris provided artists, dealers and supporters with exciting prospects for the exchange of ideas and the forging of artistic alliances.  

During the 1850s to 1860s, areas of the capital were redeveloped by Baron Haussmann, under the instruction of Napoleon III. New boulevards, apartments and public spaces emerged from the ruins of ‘old Paris’ providing modern motifs for those American artists attracted to urban scenes. Others responded less directly to the metropolis, but were no less affected by the Parisian experience. How did Americans in Paris develop modern art and how was Paris an important catalyst for artistic experimentation?  

In this course we will explore these ideas and will look specifically at works by James McNeill Whistler considering his work made both in Paris and London and we will discuss paintings and prints by Mary Cassatt. We will also discuss paintings by less well-known artists today to consider the diversity of art produced during this significant period of innovation. 

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes for this course are:

Students will…  

• Be able to explain why Paris was a magnet for 19th century American artists  
• Be able to give examples of key American artists who worked in Paris during the 19th century  
• Be able to identify modern features in paintings selected on the course 

Classes

1. Setting the scene: American Painters in Paris  
2. James McNeill Whistler in focus  
3. John Singer Sargent in focus  
4. Mary Cassatt in focus  
5. Beyond the city 

Required reading

Leroy, Louis The Exhibition of the Impressionists (1874) in Ed. Harrison, Charles et al (1998) Art in Theory 1815-1900, pp. 573-4. Blackwell Publishers 

Baudelaire, Charles On the Heroism of Modern Life in Ed. Harrison, Charles et al (1998) Art in Theory 1815-1900, pp. 302-304. Blackwell Publishers 

Adler, Kathleen et al Americans in Paris: 1860-1900 (2006) National Gallery Company Ltd.
Excellent exhibition catalogue which relates directly to the course topic. Chapter One We’ll Always Have Paris is particularly key – pp.11-55. 

Typical week: Monday to Friday

For each week of study you select a morning (Am) and an afternoon (Pm) course, each course has five sessions, one each day Monday to Friday. The maximum class size is 25 students. Your weekly courses are complemented by a series of two daily plenary lectures, exploring new ideas in a wide range of disciplines. To add to the learning experience, we are also planning additional evening talks and events.

Evaluation and Academic Credit 

If you are seeking to enhance your own study experience, or earn academic credit from your Cambridge Summer Programme studies at your home institution, you can submit written work for assessment for one or more of your courses. 

Essay questions are set and assessed against the University of Cambridge standard by your Course Director, a list of essay questions can be found in the Course Materials. Essays are submitted two weeks after the end of each course, so those studying for multiple weeks need to plan their time accordingly. There is an evaluation fee of £65 per essay.

For more information about writing essays see Evaluation and Academic Credit.

Certificate of attendance

A certificate of attendance will be sent to you electronically within a week of your courses finishing.