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Chastel's French Art History Introduction Published as Standalone Book

publication · 2026-04-23

André Chastel's preface to his monumental work 'L'Art français' grew over time into a separate book, 'Introduction à l'histoire de l'art français'. The new volume highlights a French tendency to ignore and even destroy its own artistic production. The first of four planned volumes of 'L'Art français', covering the Pre-Middle Ages and the Middle Ages, was published simultaneously.

Key facts

  • André Chastel wrote 'Introduction à l'histoire de l'art français' as an expanded preface to 'L'Art français'.
  • The introduction became a standalone book.
  • The book criticizes France for ignoring and destroying its own artistic heritage.
  • The first volume of 'L'Art français' covers the Pre-Middle Ages and the Middle Ages.
  • Four volumes of 'L'Art français' were planned.
  • The publication date is June 1994.

Entities

Artists

  • André Chastel

Locations

  • France

Sources