What was the French academic tradition, and how daring was it for 19th-century artists to challenge it? Join this lively in-conversation event with Dr Alison Smith and Dr Kathy McLauchlan as they explore both the staunch defenders of convention and the pioneers who reshaped modern painting.

Looking at works from the Wallace Collection, their discussion will range from images of the nude and bandit scenes to the development of outdoor painting. Our speakers will spotlight Jean-Léon Gérôme, Théodore Rousseau and Constant Troyon, now largely overlooked, and how their innovations were crucial to the development of modern painting.

About the speakers: Dr Alison Smith is Director of Collections and Research at the Wallace Collection, having previously worked at the National Portrait Gallery and Tate Britain. She has published widely on British and European 19th- and 20th-century art, her most recent publication being Edvard Munch Portraits (NPG 2025).

Dr Kathy McLauchlan graduated at Oxford University and the Courtauld Institute. In 2001 she completed a PhD thesis on French painters in Rome during the 19th century. A lecturer specialising in 19th-century art history, she is currently a course director at the Victoria & Albert Museum and lecturer with the Arts Society, Morley College and Oxford.

Take part at the museum: Join us at the museum for this special talk, followed by drinks and exhibition visit until 20.45.

Watch online: This talk will also be broadcast live from the museum. Online ticketholders will be emailed a link to join 24 hours in advance. Ticketholders will also receive a link to view a recording of the talk, which will be available for two weeks.