Rediscovering the Origins of Impressionism: A 150-Year Retrospective Exhibition in Paris
The 150th anniversary of the first Impressionism exhibition will be celebrated with a grand show opening this month in Paris at the Musée d’Orsay, showcasing 130 pictures from the groundbreaking 1874 exhibition. Entitled “Paris 1874: Inventing Impressionism,” the exhibition will feature works by renowned artists such as Monet, Cézanne, Degas, Morisot, Pissarro, Renoir, and Sisley.
The term “Impressionism” was coined by critic Louis Leroy in 1874 when he reviewed Monet’s “Impression, Soleil Levant.” The exhibition marked a major rupture in the history of art, with painters experimenting with loose, informal styles and capturing the effects of light en plein air.
While only a few artists from the 1874 exhibition became well-known Impressionists, the impact of their work paved the way for Post-Impressionism and Modernism. Today, Impressionism is viewed as a pivotal moment in art history, and the upcoming exhibition aims to re-examine its revolutionary impact through fresh research.
Both the Musée d’Orsay and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC have secured loans of important works from the 1874 show, including pieces by Degas, Monet, Pissarro, and Renoir. The exhibition is expected to draw large crowds, reflecting the enduring popularity of Impressionism as a movement that forever changed the course of art history.
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Naz Baydar graduated from Middle East Technical University with a degree in Product Design. She furthered her education by completing a master’s degree in Art Direction at Elisava in Barcelona. Her work blends art direction, multimedia narratives, and design to craft innovative and transformative experiences. Naz is passionate about creating visual stories that evoke strong emotions and deliver meaningful impact. In addition to her work, she has a deep interest in philosophy and literature, which continuously inspire and enrich her creative process.