1874-2024, celebrating the 150th anniversary of Impressionism
Claude Monet, Impression, soleil levant (détail), 1872-1873, musée Marmottan Monet, Paris © RMN-Grand Palais
On April 15, 1874, the first Impressionist exhibition opened its doors at 35 boulevard des Capucines, in Paris. Thirty-one artists, including Monet, Renoir, Degas, Morisot, Pissarro, Sisley, and Cézanne, had gathered to hold their own art fair, outside the official Salon, in a declaration of independence that marked the birth of a groundbreaking art movement.
Impressionism emerged in a rapidly changing post-war world, following the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, and a violent civil war. In this still tense climate, artists began to rethink their art and explore new directions of expression. Amongst them, a small clan of rebels painted scenes of modern life and landscapes sketched in the open air, in pale hues and with the lightest of touches. As one observer noted then, “What they seem above all to be aiming at is an impression”.
Since its opening in 1986, the Musée d’Orsay has held the largest Impressionist collection in the world. Next spring, they will celebrate Impressionism with a special exhibition presenting some 130 works and bringing a fresh eye to bear on this seminal moment in the history of Modern Art.
Official exhibition catalog, April 1874.
Paris 1874. Inventing Impressionism
March 26-July 14, 2024 @Musée d’Orsay
The exceptional Paris 1874. Inventing Impressionism exhibition seeks to trace the advent of an artistic movement in the historical and socio-political context of the late 19th century. It will feature a selection of works that were presented in the 1874 Impressionist exhibition, thereby putting them into perspective with paintings and sculptures displayed at the official Salon the same year.
This unprecedented confrontation will help recreate the visual shock caused by the works exhibited by the Impressionists, while highlighting unexpected parallels and overlaps between the art rebels and their more conservative peers.
“Good luck!” a critic wrote then, “Innovations always lead to something.”
Paul Cézanne, La Maison du pendu, Auvers-sur-Oise, 1873 - Huile sur toile, H. 55,5 ; L. 66,3 cm. Legs comte Isaac de Camondo, 1911 © RMN-Grand Palais (Musée d’Orsay) / Hervé Lewandowski
Supporting the exhibition
Paris 1874. Inventing Impressionism
In celebration of its mission, history and bond with the Musée d’Orsay, American Friends Musées d’Orsay et de l’Orangerie will support the Paris 1874. Inventing Impressionism exhibition due to open on March 26, 2024.
AFMO is proud to call upon patrons and art lovers to help support this truly exceptional exhibition. Your contribution will be instrumental in making it a celebratory success for the Musée d’Orsay.
With your gift, you will not only partake in this historical exhibition, you will also follow in the footsteps of the many American patrons and art lovers who have given Impressionism its “lettres de noblesse” (or art credentials) for the past century and a half.
If you wish to support Paris 1874. Inventing Impressionism, please visit click on the Donate link below or send an email to lbancroft@aforsay.org
Spring 2024, the Impressionist season
Beyond its support to the Paris 1874 exhibition, AFMO’s commitment is both a tribute and a celebration of a ground-breaking art movement that has enthused American art collectors and amateurs for a century and a half. AFMO will henceforth present an Impressionist season throughout spring 2024, with a series of private visits, evenings, trips, conferences and more.
Amongst the season’s highlights:
A private dinner to celebrate Impressionism at the Musée d’Orsay (photo gallery)
A trip to Normandy in the footsteps of the Impressionists (photo gallery)
Day-trips to Giverny, Rouen and Le Havre