In commemoration of the first exhibition of impressionist works, which took place 150 years ago 1874, the Musée d’Orsay is presenting a collection of approximately 130 works including those of renowned artists such as Monet, Renoir, Degas, Morisot, Pissarro, Sisley, and Cézanne. The exhibition offers a fresh perspective on this pivotal moment in art history.
Widely regarded as the catalyst for subsequent avant-garde movements, the exhibition sheds light on the events that unfolded in Paris during the spring of 1874 and the legacy of this legendary exhibition.
"Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment," the exhibition explains the socio-political context that precipitated the collaboration of 31 artists, only a handful of whom enjoy global recognition today.
Amidst the post-war turmoil following the Franco-German War of 1870 and ensuing civil unrest, these artists redefined artistic expression in the face of crisis. Banding together as a rebellious cohort, they captured scenes of contemporary life and landscapes with a newfound sense of spontaneity, employing delicate brushstrokes and muted palettes to evoke fleeting impressions.
"Paris 1874" juxtaposes works from the inaugural impressionist exhibition with works which were on show at the official Salon of the same year.
Above all he exhibition shows the contradictions and boundless creativity of the artistic landscape of 1874, underlining the radical modernity of these artists. As one critic remarked, "Innovations always lead to something"—a sentiment that encapsulates the spirit of the impressionist movement and its enduring influence on the history of art.