opening of the book sets the stage for this in-depth exploration by analyzing the new social and cultural dynamics that accompanied the rise of modern painting. Muther introduces the historical context of England, positioning it as a pioneer in modern art, largely due to its middle-class development. He emphasizes the influence of contemporary life on English literature and art, showcasing how figures like William Hogarth embodied this shift toward a more realistic depiction of everyday life and society, contrasting with the idealism of previous eras. The introduction prepares readers for a comprehensive study of pivotal artists and how their works reflect the complexities and variances of modern life and culture. (This is an automatically generated summary.)