When we think of France, if you are like me, you think of the 17th and 18th centuries. Of course there was before and after; and no shortage of marvelous examples, but here, the last quarter of the 19th century is shown in all it’s glory through these architectural gems. We have some wonderful buildings in the United States from this period as well, but neither the quality or quantity, particularly so concentrated in one place. It is not obvious to me at least, that out of this framework came impressionist painting.