The Figaro History letter of April 2, 2024. Le Figaro Histoire has chosen to devote the file of its April-May issue to this French century of Indochina.
How, in 1858, did the France of Napoleon III find itself alongside the English in firing shots against the Chinese. “Dirty three-quarters of a canvas with white and black, rub the rest with yellow, randomly paint red and blue spots, you will have an impression of spring before which fans will fall into ecstasy” On this April 29, 1874, Émile Cardon, art critic for La Presse, was not taken aback by the paintings of those who would soon be described as “impressionists”