This renowned study follows the evolution of French painting from the Revolution through the Napoleonic era. Beginning with David's revolutionary classicism, Friedlaender scrutinizes the work of early-nineteenth-century artists against the background of their times. He reveals the baroque tendencies diffused into the art of Prudhon and the same predisposition, mixed with a strong realism, in the work of G#233ricault.Two distinct trends appear, deriving from Pussin and Rubens. The author follows the styles as they mature, and represents their consumation in two great masters-the refined and abstract classicism of Ingres and the baroque of Delacroix with its flamboyant colorism and exotic subjects.