Paris 1874. Inventing Impressionism

Organised by the Musée d’Orsay and the National Gallery of Art, Washington, the exhibition Paris 1874. Inventing Impressionism celebrates the 150th anniversary of Impressionism in Paris, from 26th March to 14th July 2024.

150 years ago, on April 15th, 1874, the first impressionist exhibition opened in Paris. “Hungry for independence”, Monet, Renoir, Degas, Morisot, Pissarro, Sisley and Cézanne finally decided to free themselves from the rules by holding their own exhibition, outside official channels: Impressionism was born. To celebrate this anniversary, Musée d’Orsay is presenting a major exhibition, Paris 1874. Inventing Impressionism. , with some 130 works, bringing a fresh eye to bear on this key date, regarded as the day that launched the avant-gardes.

What exactly happened in Paris in that spring of 1874, and what sense should we make today of an exhibition that has become legendary? Paris 1874. Inventing Impressionism seeks to trace the advent of an artistic movement that emerged in a rapidly changing world.

The exhibition reviews the circumstances that led these 31 artists (only seven of whom are well-known across the world today) to join forces and exhibit their works together. The period in question had a post-war climate, following two conflicts: the Franco-German War of 1870, and then a violent civil war. In this context of crisis, artists began to rethink their art and explore new directions. A little “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, “What they seem above all to be aiming at is an impression”. In

Paris 1874. Inventing Impressionism , a selection of works that featured in the1874 impressionist exhibitionis put 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, as well as nuance it by unexpected parallels and overlaps between the first impressionist exhibition and the Salon.

The exhibition Paris 1874. Inventing Impressionism at Musée d’Orsay evidences the contradictions and infinite variety of contemporary creation in that spring of 1874, while highlighting the radical modernity of those young artists. “Good luck!” one critic encouraged them, “Innovations always lead to something.” The exhibition will feature some exceptional loans, including Claude Monet’s Impression, soleil levant, the title of which inspired the term “Impressionist” – a mockery by a journalist that would eventually give its name to this artistic movement and seal its success. Avant tout,

Paris 1874. Inventing Impressionism will be presented from September 8th, 2024 to January 20th, 2025 at the National Gallery of Art in Washington.

In conjunction with the exhibition Paris 1874. Inventing Impressionism and in co-production with Excurio – GEDEON Experiences, the Musée d’Orsay invites visitors aged 8 and over to take part in an immersive virtual reality expedition: Tonight with the Impressionists. Paris 1874.