Éric Michaud's 'Les Invasions barbares' Examines Racialization in Art History

Éric Michaud, a director of studies at the École des hautes études en sciences sociales (EHESS), published 'Les Invasions barbares. Une généalogie de l’histoire de l’art' with Gallimard in the 'NRF essais' collection. The book conducts an archaeology of art history, tracing how the concept of barbarian invasions has been used to racialize artistic production. Michaud's work, reviewed in artpress no. 429 (January 2016, pp. 82-83), challenges traditional narratives by exposing the racial underpinnings of Western art historiography. The review highlights Michaud's genealogical method, which uncovers the ideological construction of artistic lineages and the exclusionary mechanisms that have shaped the canon. By linking racial theories to art historical discourse, Michaud reveals how notions of purity, decline, and renewal have been mobilized to define artistic value and identity. The book critically engages with key figures and moments in art history, from the Renaissance to modernism, to demonstrate how racial categories have been imposed on artistic movements. This publication contributes to ongoing debates about decolonizing art history and the politics of cultural heritage.