This book examines the life and work of Jules Flandrin, a pivotal figure in the French art world at the turn of the 20th century. The book details Flandrin's tutelage under Gustave Moreau and his subsequent role as a mentor and peer to influential avant-garde artists such as Matisse, Marquet, and Rouault. It explores his significant contributions to the development of modern art and his recognition as a leading proponent of 'l'art vivant' in the early 1900s, prior to World War I.

The book offers a comprehensive look at Jules Flandrin's artistic legacy, positioning him as a key innovator within the vibrant Parisian art scene of the early 20th century. It emphasizes his connections to prominent figures like Matisse and Rouault, underscoring his influence on the trajectory of modern art. The text details his exhibitions and critical reception in France leading up to World War I, portraying him as a significant voice in the era's living art movement. This biographical and art historical account serves to re-evaluate Flandrin's place among his more widely celebrated contemporaries.