What would art and man be without a story? And what would the 19th century be without the upheavals and the achievements that shaped it? The more than 400 works collected in this volume and presented in the context of their creation invite you to discover an epoch full of talents and geniuses, full of inventions and innovations that made human history. The Musée d'Orsay's collection lets the viewer see the world through the eyes of artists.
Already revered by his admirers during his lifetime as "Il Divino" (the Divine), Michelangelo Buonarroti embodies the ideal artist of the Renaissance in Italy. No sculptor or painter was able to depict man more impressively in stone and colour; his grandiose masterpieces are still world-famous today.
Jean-Baptiste Camille Corot (1796-1875) can hardly be classified as a painter. His work is characterized by the great styles of the 19th century. The painter, famous for his landscapes, also made a name for himself with his depictions of people. In his search for "true painting" on his excursions or in his souvenirs in the studio, Corot was an eternal traveller throughout his life, placing nature at the centre of his work.