Galassi argues that photography was born of this transformation in artistic support this argument the author has assembled forty-four innovative European paintings and drawings made in the half-century before the invention of the photography was announced in 1839. These works, landscaped by John Canstable, J.B.C Corot, and their contemporaries, show an impressive independence from earlier standards of composition, and original sense of pictorial order based in a heretical concern for the humblest scenes. This book accompanies an exhibition, also directed by Peter Galassi, at The Museum of Modern Art. The author has provided, in addition to the essay, a catalogue containing biographies of the painters and photographers in the exhibition and comments on the plates. His carefully selected annotated bibliography completes the volume. 152 pp.; 82 illus. Published in 1981 and edited by Peter Galassi, this rare book from MoMA Publications is available in extremely limited quantities. Each book from this special selection has been stored for decades in MoMA’s warehouse. MoMA’s award-winning publications program has been an integral part of the Museum’s mission since its founding in 1929. These exhibition- and collection-related titles are renowned for their high production values. Please note that the cover photo is for reference only and does not reflect the actual condition of the book being sold.