For painters who sought to depict the life of their times, it was essential to observe closely how people interacted with their surroundings—whether in the city, the suburbs, or the countryside. In the mid-nine teenth century, urban renovation projects trans formed Paris into one of Europe’s great capitals, with broad boulevards, parks, and elegant new architecture.

Impressionist artists were deeply interested in the rapidly changing face of Paris and the lives of its citizens. The expansion of the railways also created suburban spaces where people could rest and enjoy leisure. At the same time, other painters looked farther afield, seeking out the countryside that had long been a source of national pride. From the latest urban technologies to the timeless imagery of the land, artists interpreted a wide range of subjects through their own eyes, leaving behind vivid records of the many facets of their era.