Summary of Derek Thompson's Hit Makers

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 The Japanese Footbridge by Claude Monet is a famous painting, but Gustave Caillebotte’s paintings are exquisite and less known. The reason Caillebotte is less known is because he is in the impressionist exhibit with Monet, who is more famous. #2 Gustave Caillebotte was a French painter who was born into a wealthy family. He was friends with many of the most controversial young artists of his time, including Monet and Degas. He died at the age of 45 in 1894. His will stipulated that all paintings hang at the Musée du Luxembourg in Paris. #3 The artworks were finally hung in 1897, at a new wing in the Musée du Luxembourg. The public flooded the museum to see art they’d previously savaged or simply ignored. The seven core impressionist painters were the only ones who shared this characteristic. #4 The fact that Caillebotte’s bequest shaped the impressionist canon spoke to something deep and universal about media, entertainment, and popularity. People prefer paintings that they’ve seen before.