The Independent Critic

As one of the most vigorous and independent of French nineteenth century art critics, Philippe Burty (1830-1890) often supported areas and issues that other critics overlooked. He was among the first to support the new renaissance in printmaking (essentially in etching) and his articles on the decorative arts, the need for reforms in the exhibition system and his support of younger painters were well known. His primary contribution was in championing Japonisme (the taste for all things Japanese) in France and in coinig the name by which this tendency was identified. He also avidly spoke up for the Impressionists in both French and English articles at a time when few did. Burty was also a creative collector whose tastes in journalistic writing were reflected in what he had in his own home. In all these ways he demonstrated an advanced attitude.