C3: Rebellion and revival - the British and French Avant-Garde (1848–1899) - A level History of Art Topic Guide

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by OmBimo

Teaching topic guide for Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in History of Art (9HT0), focusing on C3 “Rebellion and revival” and the British and French Avant-Garde from 1848–1899. Establishes the specification’s requirements for detailed study of at least 18 works across nine categories, with guidance on artist categorisation, scope, key topics and terminology. Covers cultural, social, technological and political influences, developments in materials and techniques, and outlines how to plan teaching and assessment. Includes lists for selecting key works and resources.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages19

Reading Time48 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Scope of works

Key topics

Art historical terms and concepts

Cultural, social, technological and political factors

Developments in materials, techniques and processes

Specified artists

Selecting your key works

Critical texts

Organising your teaching

Assessment

Resources

First-hand learning and museum education

Sample key works

Topic Guide C3: Rebellion and revival: the British and French Avant-Garde (1848–1899) A level History of Art Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in History of Art (9HT0) GCE History of Art · Topic Guide C3: Rebellion and revival: the British and French Avant-Garde (1848–1899) (The specification remains the definitive source of information for this qualification. ) Contents Introduction 2 Scope of works 2 Key topics 2 Specified artists 5 Selecting your key works 5 Critical texts 6 Organising your teaching 6 Assessment 8 Resources 12 First-hand learning and museum education 13 Sample key works 15 Blank grid for you to complete 16 A longer list of possible works 17 GCE History of Art Introduction | Amid a clamour for social and political change, art in Britain and France responds to the new challenges of modern life and industrialisation. For some, it offers opportunity and new materials, for others a compulsion to demand change and to fight against repression. Students exploring this Period will encounter some of the iconic revolutionary works of art of the Realists, Impressionists and PostImpressionists in France, as well as that of their peers across the Channel: the PreRaphaelites. In both countries, students will also explore the academic traditions that held sway, and the subsequent battle for recognition, which was part
aesthetical and part political.
Scope of works | | --- | | The specification makes clear the requirements for the detailed study of at least
18 works of art and architecture across nine categories of work in each country. All examination questions will refer to the Scope of works and Key topics explained on pages 23–25 in the specification.
In this Period, works of art are designated by the birthplace and nationality of the artist rather than by the place of production. This avoids confusion for artists who travelled regularly in the course of their careers. Thus Monet is always categorised as a French artist, even when working in London, and any of the work by the British artist, William Holman Hunt, may be included in that category, even when he was working internationally. For the avoidance of doubt, for this specification, it has been decided that Pissarro and Sisley are both categorised as French artists and should be included in that category. By the same measure, the work of the Dutch, Van Gogh, or the American, Whistler, are not allowable in this Period, even when they were working in France or Britain.
Key topics | These Key topics are clearly explained in the specification and elaborate on what should be taught around each work. and are now set out in a tabular format which should be helpful. All examination questions will refer to the Scope of works and Key topics explained on pages 23-25 in the specification and are added here for reference. | Subjects, forms and styles
Works to be studied* | | | --- | --- | | Scope of works | (a) Painting of working life by British and French artists. | | | (b) Painting of leisure by British and French artists. | | | (c) Religious painting by British and French artists. | | | (d) Mythological/literary works (painting or sculpture) by British and French artists. | | | (e) The female figure (painting or sculpture) by British and French artists. | | | (f) Landscape painting scenes by British and French artists. | | | (g) Commemorative sculpture by British and French artists. | | | (h) Public architecture by British and French architects. | | | (i) Domestic architecture by British and French architects. | | | *Categories (a)–(g) must include at least one work in each of the following styles: Academic, Realism, Impressionism,
Post-Impressionism, Victorian, Pre-Raphaelite.
Categories (h)–(i) must include at least one work in each of the following styles: Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts. | | Key topics What students need to learn | | | 1 Art historical terms and concepts | (a)

FAQs

What period and theme does this topic guide cover for A level History of Art?

It covers C3 “Rebellion and revival: the British and French Avant-Garde (1848–1899)”. The guide frames how Britain and France respond to social and political change, modern life, and industrialisation through art.

How many works students must study under this specification for the period?

Students must study at least 18 works of art and architecture across nine categories of work in each country. Examination questions reference the scope and key topics set out in the guide.

How are works categorised by artist nationality in this period?

Works are designated by the birthplace and nationality of the artist rather than the production location. For example, Monet is categorised as French even when working in London, while categories specify inclusion and exclusion rules for artists in France or Britain.

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by OmBimo