David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants

those on the inside. They have all of the
support that comes from community and
friendship—and they are places where
innovation and individuality are not
frowned upon. “We are beginning to
make ourselves a niche,” a hopeful
Pissarro wrote to a friend. “We have
succeeded as intruders in setting up our
little banner in the midst of the crowd.”
Their challenge was “to advance without
worrying about opinion.” He was right.
Off by themselves, the Impressionists
found a new identity. They felt a new
creative freedom, and before long, the
outside world began to sit up and take
notice. In the history of modern art, there
has never been a more important or more