BMAC Reads: Paris in Ruins

BMAC Reads is supported by a gift in memory of Lorraine K. Wiesen, a lover of books and art.

Presented in partnership with the Brattleboro Literary Festival, BMAC Reads brings book and art lovers together for book club-style discussions about books about art.

A New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice, Washington Post Notable Nonfiction Book of 2024, and Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2024, Sebastian Smee’s Paris in Ruins: Love, War, and the Birth of Impressionism is a gripping account of the “Terrible Year” in Paris and its monumental impact on the rise of Impressionism.

From the summer of 1870 to the spring of 1871 (famously dubbed the “Terrible Year” by Victor Hugo), Paris and its people were besieged, starved, and forced into surrender by Germans―then imperiled again as radical republicans established a breakaway commune, ultimately crushed by the French army after bloody street battles and the burning of central Paris. As Pulitzer Prize-winning art critic Sebastian Smee shows, it was against the backdrop of these tumultuous times that the Impressionist movement was born―in response to violence, civil war, and political intrigue.

Moderated by voracious reader and Brattleboro Literary Festival board member Elizabeth Catlin, this event promises a mix of insightful conversation and fascinating perspectives—plus refreshments and an opportunity to explore the museum’s current exhibits. Space is limited, so register now, and don’t miss out on this unique blend of culture, conversation, and creativity.

Smee will read from and discuss Paris in Ruins at BMAC on Saturday, October 18, at 3 p.m., as part of the Brattleboro Literary Festival.

Photos and videos may be taken during this event for use in BMAC promotional materials.

• Space is limited; advance registration required.
• Suitable for ages 14 and older.
• All ticket orders are reviewed for membership status.

For accessibility questions and requests, email [email protected] or call 802-257-0124 x101.

Host or Publisher Brattleboro Museum & Art Center