A number of 20th-century artistic movements declared their desire to break with the past. The last century was largely occupied by what was called the “tradition of rupture”. What is the validity of this notion? The work of historians consists in establishing continuity among what are believed to be crucial dates, inaugural moments and revolutionary works. Nevertheless, historical thought itself is led to conceive of “periods”, to designate “turning points”.

This edition comprises 14 studies, which, through reference to many different eras, put the notion of rupture to the test.