This Dictionary sets out to establish, for the first time, a convincing body of knowledge to help identify and attribute works by both major artists and the obscure petits-maitres. It is an essential academic resource for art historians, a vital tool for collectors and dealers, and a treasure-trove for anyone interested in costume or social and political history.<BR>Pastels from the French school account for more than half the Dictionary, representing most of the more important artists. But there were other major pastellists from the American, English, German, Italian and Swiss schools, as well as a host of minor portraitists, many of whom travelled extensively. The extent of the mutual influences between these schools can only be understood with the Dictionary's integrated global coverage.