/"Son masterpiece/" is a novel by Émile Zola, published in 1886. The book is also known as /"L'Œuvre/" in French, which translates to /"The Work /" or /"The masterpiece/". This is the fourteenth novel in Zola's Rougon-Macquart series.
The novel follows the life of Claude Lantier, a young painter passionate about his art and determined to create a masterpiece that will establish his reputation. However, his artistic vision was ahead of his time and he struggled to gain acceptance in the conservative art world of 19th-century Paris. The book explores themes of artistic genius, the struggle for recognition and the relationship between art and society.
The novel takes place in the mid-19th century and offers a vivid portrait of the Parisian artistic world of that era. Zola's depiction of the art world is based on his own experiences and friendships with artists such as Paul Cézanne. The character of Claude Lantier is believed to be based on several real-life artists, including Cézanne, Édouard Manet and Claude Monet.
The novel is also notable for its exploration of the rise of realism, naturalism, and impressionism in painting. Zola examines contemporary sculpture, literature, architecture, music and journalism, as well as the commodification of art.
The book is often considered one of Zola's most autobiographical works. The character of Pierre Sandoz, novelist friend of Claude Lantier, would be based on Zola himself. The book has been translated into English several times, the most recent translation being by Roger Pearson in 2000.
Find out more: Parisian art world, Realism, Naturalism
Impressionism, painter, revolutionize
exterior, natural light, mundane subjects
sympathizers, fellow practitioners, art
literature, architecture, music
failure, potential, rupture
childhood, novelist
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