Wholesale Farm to Table: Art, Food, and Identity in the Age of Impressionism

A wide-ranging exploration of art, gastronomy, and national identity in fin-de-siècle France During the late 19th century, renowned artists including Claude Monet, Eva Gonzalès, and Paul Gauguin focused on depicting France's relationship with food. The country's abundant agriculture and skilled chefs were pivotal in shaping its strength and international standing. This self-perception as a leading culinary capital only strengthened during times of war, political turmoil, imperialism, and industrialization. While France's culinary customs represented sophistication, resilience, and resourcefulness, they also revealed underlying societal divides.