The Impressionists: Rebels of the Art World
The Impressionists were pioneers who challenged the artistic norms of their time. They introduced vibrant colors and abstract representations of landscapes, which were considered radical in the 1860s and 1870s. Today, over 100 works by renowned French Impressionist painters, including Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Édouard Manet, Claude Monet, and Camille Pissarro, are on display at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). Many of these pieces are making their debut in Australia.
Curator Katie Hanson has highlighted five standout paintings that visitors should not miss during the exhibition.
Dance at Bougival by Pierre-Auguste Renoir
This painting was featured in Renoir’s solo exhibition in 1883 and encapsulates his creative journey over the previous 15 years. Renoir, known for capturing social interactions, uses dappled light and casual outdoor scenes to evoke a sensory experience. According to Hanson, the painting includes elements like half-consumed glasses of beer, discarded matches, and a bouquet of flowers, all contributing to a vivid sensory journey.
There is some debate among art historians about the model depicted in the painting. Hanson suggests it may be a blend of two models, Suzanne Valadon and Aline Victorine Charigot, who later became Renoir’s wife. This work was created during a period of self-doubt for Renoir, as he questioned the direction of his art. Despite this, the painting radiates joy and luminosity.
Grainstack (Snow Effect) by Claude Monet
Monet described his frustration while painting this field of grain near his home in 1891. The changing weather conditions made the process challenging, and he often scraped and tore up his work in pursuit of the perfect atmosphere. Although the painting appears simple, it reflects the intense struggle Monet faced.
Monet decided to showcase 15 of his grainstack paintings in Paris in 1891, but not everyone supported his decision. His friend Pissarro criticized the exhibition, believing it was driven by commercial interests rather than artistic merit.
Street Singer by Édouard Manet
The model in this painting, Victorine Meurent, was a well-known can-can dancer and artist in her own right. She worked with Manet for over a decade and appears in many of his famous works. Hanson notes that Victorine is both famous and mysterious, offering a glimpse into her life beyond the myth of a woman posing for an artist.
In the 19th century, the painting caused controversy due to its depiction of a woman eating in public. It was eventually purchased by American collector Sarah Choate Sears and donated to a Boston museum in 1966.
Fashionable Figures on The Beach by Eugène Louis Boudin
Hanson describes this 1865 painting by Boudin as exquisite. Monet credited Boudin with recognizing his talent and encouraging him to paint outdoors. The painting showcases attention to detail and the fashion of the time, including crinoline skirts and bathing machines used for changing in public.
The Poppy Field In a Hollow Near Giverny by Claude Monet
This painting, often reproduced, offers a different experience when viewed in person. Hanson highlights the range of brushstrokes and the way Monet captures the movement of the poppies. The painting invites viewers to appreciate the beauty in nature’s simplicity.
Monet’s relentless pursuit of new artistic expressions is evident in his work, as he continuously sought innovative ways to depict familiar subjects.
The exhibition “French Impressionism” is on display at NGV International until October 5.
