Uncover the critical early years of French Impressionism and its complex relationship with the French state. This compelling art history study by Jane Mayo Roos delves into the challenging reception of modernist painting between 1866-1874, focusing on artists like Manet, Monet, and Degas. Examine their pivotal Salon experiences and the forces shaping art before the landmark 1874 exhibition. A must-read for Indian art history students, cultural historians, and anyone fascinated by the birth of modern art.