New People's Theory: On Art

Guizot was not only a perceptive politician and historian, but also a man of considerable artistic refinement. This book is a collection of notes he made while seeking out all kinds of extraordinary works of art around the world. A classic work on art theory and appreciation, it explores the relationships and differences among the various arts. It also holds great historical significance, as it includes accounts of certain historical details.

In this book, he selected works by the masters he had studied, keeping only those he believed would still interest readers, whether because of the famous people or important events depicted, or because of their prominent place in art history. Through his study of these works, he set out in his own distinctive way the connections and differences between painting, sculpture, and engraving, focusing chiefly on works from the Italian and French schools.

The book is richly illustrated. Each work is shown both as an engraving and in its original form. Seen side by side, they make readers feel as if they are in an art museum, experiencing firsthand the moving power of the paintings.

This translation is based on the English edition translated by Guizot's assistant, George Grove. It was translated under Guizot's guidance and approved by him as the authoritative English edition. This is also the first Chinese translation of the book.