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Originally Posted by Peter Dransfield
. . . the century was rich, expressive and diverse . . .
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Unquestionably, Peter, and I agree wholeheartedly. Here's the thing - it's not an "either-or" proposition. One need not "cleave" to Bouguereau, (and Cot! How did I forget Cot!! ?!?) to the exclusion of the Impressionists or the whole of 20th century "modern art" any more than one is obligated to eliminate any sympathetic appreciation of 19th century academics in order to enjoy or at least appreciate a Rothko abstract.
It's interesting to note that most of the giants to whom you referred owe a tremendous obligation of debt to the technical foundations the academy provided them. Perhaps you overlooked that Matisse
was a student of Bouguereau ?