Discovering Impressionist Art in Paris: A Journey Through Light and Color
Impressionist art and Paris are inextricably linked, forming a captivating tapestry of creativity that continues to enchant art lovers worldwide. The French capital served as both muse and canvas for the revolutionary Impressionist movement, which emerged in the late 19th century and forever changed the course of art history. This blog post delves into the rich legacy of Impressionist art in Paris, exploring its origins, key artists, iconic locations, and enduring influence on the city’s cultural landscape.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- The Origins of Impressionism in Paris
- The First Impressionist Exhibition: Nadar’s Studio
- Masters of Impressionism: Paris’s Artistic Luminaries
- Paris Museums: Treasure Troves of Impressionist Art
- Impressionist Places Near Paris
- Post-Impressionist Places Near Paris
- The Lasting Legacy of Impressionism in Paris
- How to Experience Impressionist Art in Paris Today
- FAQs: Impressionist Art in Paris
Place du Théâtre Français, Paris Rain Camille Pissarro 1898.
This work is a manifesto for impressionist art in Paris. Indeed, moreover giving the impression of the rain, it shows the Opéra de Paris (completed 1875) and the Avenue de L’Opera (completed 1876), icons of the impressionist Paris, the new Paris of Hausmann and Napoleon III. The Boulevard des Capucines (completed 1885), where the first impressionist exhibition was organized in 1874, also reached the Opera.
The Origins of Impressionism in Paris
The story of Impressionism begins in Paris during the 1860s. A group of young artists, dissatisfied with the rigid rules of academic painting, began to experiment with new techniques that captured the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere. The term “Impressionism” was coined in 1874, inspired by Claude Monet’s painting “Impression, Sunrise.” Paris, with its vibrant cafe culture, picturesque streets, and beautiful parks, provided the perfect backdrop for this artistic revolution.
The First Impressionist Exhibition: Nadar’s Studio
A pivotal moment in the history of Impressionist art in Paris occurred on April 15, 1874, at Nadar’s studio, located at 35 Boulevard des Capucines. This address became the birthplace of the Impressionist movement.
At 35 Boulevard des Capucines, the building no longer exists, but the new building fortunately kept the original façade.
Nadar: More Than Just a Studio Owner
Nadar, whose real name was Gaspard-Félix Tournachon, was a renowned photographer, caricaturist, and balloonist. His support of avant-garde artists played a crucial role in the birth of Impressionism.
The Exhibition That Changed Art History
The exhibition, organized by a group calling themselves the “Anonymous Society of Painters, Sculptors, and Engravers,” featured works by 30 artists, including Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Camille Pissarro, and Berthe Morisot. This show, which lasted one month, presented a radical departure from the official Salon’s academic style.
Atelier Nadar, 35 Boulevard des Capucines , Paris – Photo 1860 par Nadar. Wikipedia Commun, Public Domain.
Boulevard des Capucines by Claude Monet 1873 (Nelson-Atkins Museum, Kansas City, Missouri).
The painting is a reference for impressionist art. It is one of Monet’s two views of the Boulevard des Capucines from Nadar’s Studio, the birthplace of the impressionist movement.
Public Reception and Critique
The exhibition at Nadar’s studio was met with mixed reactions. While some visitors were intrigued by the fresh approach to color and light, many critics were harsh in their assessments. The term “Impressionist” was initially used derogatively by art critic Louis Leroy in response to Monet’s “Impression, Sunrise,” but the artists later embraced it as their movement’s name.
Legacy of the First Exhibition
This groundbreaking event at 35 Boulevard des Capucines marked the beginning of a series of independent exhibitions that would continue until 1886, solidifying the Impressionist movement’s place in art history and forever changing the Parisian art scene. For the 150th anniversary of the first impressionist exhibition, an amazing exhibition was organized in the Orsay Museum: “Paris 1874 Inventing Impressionism,” from March 26th to July 14th, 2024.
Masters of Impressionism: Paris’s Artistic Luminaries
The Impressionist movement in Paris was led by a group of visionary artists who challenged conventional norms and paved the way for modern art. Some of the most notable figures include:
The men
- Édouard Manet (1832-1883) – Often considered the father of modernism in painting, bridging the gap between Realism and Impressionism.
- Claude Monet (1840-1926) – The founder of French Impressionism, known for his groundbreaking studies of light and color in nature.
- Frédéric Bazille (1841-1870) – A talented artist whose early death in the Franco-Prussian War cut short a promising career in Impressionism.
- Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919) – Celebrated for his vibrant, light-filled paintings of Parisian life and joyful scenes of leisure.
- Edgar Degas (1834-1917) – A master of depicting movement, particularly known for his paintings and sculptures of ballet dancers.
- Alfred Sisley (1839-1899) – An English-born French landscape painter who was a true Impressionist throughout his career, known for his tranquil river scenes and snow-covered landscapes.
- Camille Pissarro (1830-1903) – Often called the “dean of the Impressionist painters,” known for his landscapes and urban scenes.
- Gustave Caillebotte (1848-1894) – Known for his unique perspective and depictions of urban Paris, as well as his role as a patron of the arts.
- Paul Cézanne (1839-1906) – A post-impressionist who bridged the gap between late 19th century Impressionism and early 20th century Cubism.
- Armand Guillaumin (1841-1927) – Known for his intense use of color and his landscapes of Paris and its surroundings
Claude Monet by Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
A very few women
- Berthe Morisot (1841-1895) – One of the few female Impressionists, renowned for her intimate domestic scenes and portraits.
- Marie Bracquemond (1840-1916) – One of the “three great ladies” of Impressionism, known for her outdoor scenes and domestic life portrayals.
- Eva Gonzalès (1849-1883) – The only formal pupil of Édouard Manet, known for her portraits and genre scenes.
- Mary Cassatt (1844-1926) – An American artist who became an integral part of the Parisian Impressionist movement, known for her images of the social and private lives of women.
These artists men and women captured the essence of Parisian life through their innovative use of color, light, and brushwork, forever changing the course of art history.
Edouard Manet – Berthe Morisot with a Bouquet of Violets.
Eva Gonzalés Portrait in Manet ‘s workshop 1870 Edouard Manet.
The Post-Impressionists: Building on the Impressionist Legacy
Following the Impressionists, a new wave of artists emerged who, while influenced by Impressionism, pushed artistic boundaries even further. Some key Post-Impressionist artists include:
- Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1864-1901) – Known for his vivid portrayals of Parisian nightlife and the denizens of Montmartre.
- Paul Gauguin (1848-1903) – Famous for his experimental use of color and Synthetist style, often depicting scenes from Tahiti.
- Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) – Dutch painter whose emotionally charged paintings and unique brushwork profoundly influenced 20th-century art.
- Paul Signac (1863-1935) – A leading proponent of Pointillism, known for his vibrant, optically mixed colors.
- Georges Seurat (1859-1891) – The founder of Pointillism, known for his innovative use of color theory and disciplined approach to painting.
One of the very last Van Gogh self-portraits, it was painted in 1889 in the asylum of Saint–Rémy-de-Provence his previous stay before Auvers-sur-Oise – Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington.
Iconic Locations: Where Impressionism Blossomed in Paris
Paris offered a wealth of inspiration for Impressionist artists. Some of the most iconic locations that feature prominently in their works include:
Montmartre
- “Bal du moulin de la Galette” by Renoir (Musée d’Orsay)
- “La Butte Montmartre” by Pissarro (Musée d’Orsay)
- “Le Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre” by Pissarro (Musée d’Orsay)
- “Vue de Montmartre” by Caillebotte (Musée Marmottan Monet)
- etc.
Renoir: Le Bal du Moulin de la Galette (Montmartre).
Vincent van Gogh – Terrace of a Cafe on Montmartre (La Guinguette) – 1886.
The Seine River
- “The Seine at Bougival” by Monet (Musée d’Orsay)
- “The Banks of the Seine at Argenteuil” by Renoir (Musée d’Orsay)
- “The Seine and the Louvre” by Pissarro (Musée d’Orsay)
- “Le Pont de l’Europe” by Caillebotte (Musée du Petit Palais)
- etc.
The Seine at Bercy after Guillaumin by Paul Cézanne, between 1876 – 1878.
The Louvre Afternoon, Rainy Weather by Camille Pissarro, 1900.
Camille Pissarro (1830-1903). “Le pont Royal et le pavillon de Flore”, 1903. Picture: Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris, Petit Palais.
Jardin des Tuileries
- “The Tuileries Garden” by Monet (Musée d’Orsay)
- “View of the Tuileries Gardens” by Pissarro (Musée d’Orsay)
- “In the Tuileries” by Manet (Musée d’Orsay)Camille_Pissarro
- The Garden of the Tuileries on a Winter Afternoon (MET).
- etc.
Music in the Tuileries Garden by Edouard Manet_1862
Camille Pissarro – The Garden of the Tuileries on a Winter Afternoon 1898 – Picture: MET
The Opéra
- “The Dance” by Degas (Musée d’Orsay)
- “La Loge” by Renoir (the Courtauld Institute of Art )
Impressionist art Paris: Edgar Degas – the Dance.
Pierre Auguste Renoir La loge
Gare Saint-Lazare
- “The Gare Saint-Lazare” by Monet (Musée d’Orsay)
- “Arrival of the Normandy Train, Gare Saint-Lazare” by Monet (Art Institute of Chicago)
- “The Railway Bridge at Argenteuil” by Monet (Musée d’Orsay)
- “Claude Monet – Gare Saint-Lazare, Paris: Arrival of a Train (Fogg Art Museum)
- etc.
Claude Monet – Gare Saint-Lazare, Paris: Arrival of a Train (1877)
Arrival of the Normandy Train, Gare Saint-Lazare Claude Monet
Paris Museums: Treasure Troves of Impressionist Art
Paris is home to some of the world’s finest collections of Impressionist art. Visitors can immerse themselves in the movement’s masterpieces at several renowned museums:
Musée d’Orsay
Musée d’Orsay: A former railway station turned world-renowned museum, housing the largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, including iconic works by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Cézanne.
- “Dance at the Moulin de la Galette” by Renoir
- “The Floor Scrapers” by Caillebotte
- “Luncheon on the Grass” by Monet
- “The Absinthe Drinker” by Degas
- “Poppy Field in a Hollow near Giverny” by Monet
- “Blue Water Lilies” by Monet
- etc.
Edgar Germain Hilaire Degas – L’Absinthe.
Musée de l’Orangerie
An intimate museum showcasing Monet’s monumental “Water Lilies” series in specially designed oval rooms, alongside an impressive collection of early 20th-century art featuring Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works.
- “Water Lilies” series by Monet
- “The Boat Studio” by Monet
- “Young Girls at the Piano” by Renoir
- “Still Life with Lobster” by Renoir
- “Flowers in a Vase” by Cézanne
- “Portrait of Coco” by Renoir
- etc.
Musée Marmottan Monet
A charming museum housed in a former hunting lodge, boasting the world’s largest collection of Claude Monet’s works, including the iconic “Impression, Sunrise” painting that gave the Impressionist movement its name.
- “Impression, Sunrise” by Monet
- “Camille on the Beach at Trouville” by Monet
- “Portrait of Michel Monet as a Baby” by Monet
- “Waterlilies, Setting Sun” by Monet
- “The Bridge at Waterloo” by Monet
- “Arm of the Seine near Giverny” by Monet
- etc.
Petit Palais
An architectural gem built for the 1900 Universal Exhibition, featuring a diverse collection of fine and decorative arts from antiquity to the early 20th century, including notable Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings by artists such as Monet, Sisley, and Cézanne.
- “The Seine at Rouen” by Pissarro
- “Banks of the Marne” by Cézanne
- “The Champs-Élysées During the Paris Fair of 1867” by Monet
- “Le Pont de l’Europe” by Caillebotte
- “The Village of Voisins” by Sisley
- Three Bathers (Trois baigneuses) by Cézanne.
- etc.
Petit Palais Paris Museum of Fine Arts. Sunset on the Seine at Lavacourt, Winter Effect by Claude Monet. Lavacourt is between Paris and Giverny.
Impressionist Places Near Paris
The Impressionists frequently ventured beyond Paris to capture the beauty of the surrounding countryside. Several notable locations near Paris became significant in the Impressionist movement:
Argenteuil
First, you must give honor when honor is due. Argenteuil has a very special place in Impressionist Art. Indeed, from January 1872, Claude Monet lived in Argenteuil for 8 years, a fascinating period in the artist’s life that inspired a total of 259 paintings.
Argenteuil is also a popular spot for Renoir, Caillebotte, Manet and other Impressionists, known for its riverside scenes and regattas.
- “The Bridge at Argenteuil” by Monet (Musée d’Orsay)
- “Regatta at Argenteuil” by Renoir (Musée d’Orsay)
- “The Seine at Argenteuil” by Monet (Musée d’Orsay)
- “Sailboats at Argenteuil” by Monet (Musée d’Orsay)
- “Sailboats at Argenteuil” by Caillebotte (Musée d’Orsay)
- Edouard Manet Banks of the Seine at Argenteuil – 1874 (Courtauld Institution of Art).
- etc.
Claude Monet – The Bridge at Argenteuil. Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington.
The Monet Family in Their Garden at Argenteuil By Edouard Manet – 1874, (MET).
Impressionist arts Paris: Sisley – Footbridge at Argenteuil.
Edouard Manet Banks of the Seine at Argenteuil – 1874.
Gustave Caillebotte – Voiliers à Argenteuil.
Claude Monet painting in his studio boat in Argenteuil by Edouard Manet.
Gennevilliers
Gennevilliers works with Argenteuil, The district of Petit Gennevilliers where Gustave Caillebotte was living is on the other bank of the Seine River.
Dahlias Garden at Petit Gennevilliers by Gustave Caillebotte, 1893. Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington.
Auvers-sur-Oise
It was a favorite location of Camille Pissarro and Paul Cézanne, who captured the village’s rustic charm in numerous paintings.
Some famous Auvers-sur-Oise paintings:
- “View of Auvers-sur-Oise” by Pissarro (Musée d’Orsay)
- “Landscape at Auvers after the Rain” by Cézanne (Pushkin Museum, Moscow)
- “The Church at Auvers” by Pissarro (Private Collection)
- “Houses at Auvers” by Cézanne (Musée d’Orsay)
- “Auvers, Panoramic View” by Paul Cézanne (Art Institut of Chicago.
- Landscape at Chaponval by Pissarro (Orsay Museum)
- etc.
Paul Cézanne – Auvers, Panoramic View. Photo Artic CC0 – Credit:
Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Larned Coburn Memorial Collection
Impressionist art in Paris: Camille Pissarro Landscape at Chaponval (district of Auvers-sur-Oise).
Pontoise
A picturesque town northwest of Paris that served as a favored painting location for Impressionist masters like Camille Pissarro and Paul Cézanne, who were drawn to its rural landscapes, riverbanks, and charming architecture.
Some famous Pontoise paintings:
- “The Côte des Bœufs at L’Hermitage” by Pissarro (National Gallery, London)
- “The Garden of Les Mathurins at Pontoise” by Pissarro (Musée d’Orsay)
- “View of Pontoise” by Pissarro (Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York)
- “The Banks of the Oise at Pontoise” by Pissarro (Musée d’Orsay)
- “Jalais Hill”, Pontoise by Camille Pissarro (Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York)
- etc.
Jalais Hill, Pontoise by Camille Pissarro. Met OA, credit: Bequest of William Church Osborn, 1951.
Louveciennes
Louveciennes is a quaint village west of Paris that captivated Impressionist painters, particularly Alfred Sisley and Camille Pissarro, who created numerous scenes of its streets, surrounding countryside, and the iconic aqueduct, capturing the interplay of light and atmosphere in this idyllic setting.
Some famous Louveciennes paintings:
- Camille Pissarro – Diligence à Louveciennes 1870 (Musée d’Orsay).
- Camille Pissarro – Louveciennes, Chemin de Creux / Louveciennes, snow – 1872 (Museum Folkwang – Essen).
- Camille Pissarro – Route de Versailles, Louveciennes -1872 (Musée d’Orsay)
- Camille Pissarro – Chestnut Trees at Louveciennes – 1879 (Musée d’Orsay)
- etc.
A Road in Louveciennes by Pierre-Auguste Renoir (MET).
Camille Pissarro Diligence à Louveciennes 1870
Camille Pissarro – Louveciennes, Chemin de Creux / Louveciennes, snow – 1872.
Camille Pissarro – Entrée du village de Voisins (Louveciennes) – 1872
Camille Pissarro – Route de Versailles, Louveciennes -1872
Camille Pissarro – Chestnut Trees at Louveciennes – 1879
Post Impressionist Places Near Paris
There are many places near Paris that may be considered linked with post-impressionism. But two of them shine much more than any other: Vincent van Gogh’s Auvers-sur-oise and Claude Monet’s Giverny.
Yerres
A charming town southeast of Paris that was the summer residence of Gustave Caillebotte. His family property, now open to the public, inspired many of his masterpieces depicting its lush gardens, ornamental pond, and the serene Yerres River, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the artist’s world and the landscapes that shaped his distinctive style.
Some Yerres famous paintings:
- “The Yerres, Effect of Rain” by Caillebotte (Indiana University Art Museum)
- “Portraits in the Countryside” by Caillebotte (Musée Baron Gérard, Bayeux)
- “Sunflowers on the Banks of the Yerres” by Caillebotte (Private Collection)
- “The Orange Trees” by Caillebotte (Museum of Fine Arts, Houston)
- “Skiffs” (Périssoires) by Caillebotte (National Gallery of Art, Washington)
- etc.
Maison Caillebotte estate with its park and Orangerie, can now be visited: Official Website.
Gustave Caillebotte Skiffs (Périssoires) – Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington – Credit Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon.
Van Gogh – Auvers-sur-Oise
Auvers-sur-Oise was a village (now a little town) in the north of Paris where Vincent van Gogh spent the last weeks of his life before committing suicide.
Van Gogh was extremely prolific at Auvers and painted some of his most famous paintings:
- “The Church at Auvers- sur-Oise (Musée d’Orsay)
- “Stairway at Auvers” (Saint Louis Art Museum)
- “Portrait of Doctor Gachet” (Musée d’Orsay)
- “Landscape at Auvers in the Rain” (Cardiff: National Museum of Wales)
- etc.
Stairway at Auvers by Vincent Van Gogh was painted in July 1890, the last month of his life (Saint Louis Art Museum).
Photo of van Gogh’s painting “The Church in Auvers-sur-Oise, View from the Chevet.”
Monet – Giverny
Home to Claude Monet’s famous garden and water lily pond, which inspired many of his most renowned works.
Some famous Giverny paintings:
- “Water Lily Pond” (Musée d’Orsay)
- “The Artist’s Garden at Giverny” (Musée d’Orsay)
- “Path under the Rose Arches” (Musée Marmottan Monet)
- “The Japanese Footbridge” (National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.)
- etc.
Claude Monet – The Japanese Footbridge. Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington.
The Seine at Giverny by Claude Monet 1897. Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington.
The Lasting Legacy of Impressionism in Paris
The impact of the Impressionist movement on Paris and the art world at large cannot be overstated. It revolutionized not only painting techniques but also the way artists perceived and portrayed the world around them. Today, the legacy of Impressionism continues to influence contemporary artists and attract millions of visitors to Paris each year.
How to Experience Impressionist Art in Paris Today
For those seeking to explore the world of Impressionist art in Paris, there are numerous options:
- Visit the major museums mentioned above
- Take guided tours focused on Impressionist sites
- Explore the neighborhoods that inspired the artists
- Attend special exhibitions and events dedicated to Impressionism
By engaging with these experiences, visitors can gain a deeper appreciation for the movement and its enduring connection to the City of Light.
FAQs: Impressionist Art in Paris
Q: When did the Impressionist movement begin in Paris?
A: The Impressionist movement began in Paris in the 1860s, with the first Impressionist exhibition held in 1874.
Q: Who are the most famous Impressionist artists associated with Paris?
A: Some of the most renowned Impressionist artists associated with Paris include Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissarro, Berthe Morisot, Gustave Caillebotte, and Paul Cézanne.
Q: Does the building of the first Impressionist exhibition still exist?
A: At 35 Boulevard des Capucines, the building no longer exists. But the new building, fortunately, kept the original façade
Q: Where can I see the best collection of Impressionist art in Paris?
A: The Musée d’Orsay houses the world’s largest collection of Impressionist art and is considered the best place to see Impressionist masterpieces in Paris.
Q: Are there any Impressionist painting locations in Paris that I can visit today?
A: Yes, many locations that inspired Impressionist artists in Paris can still be visited today, including Montmartre, the banks of the Seine, and the Jardin des Tuileries.
Q: How did Impressionism change the art world?
A: Impressionism revolutionized art by focusing on capturing light and color in the moment, breaking away from traditional academic styles, and paving the way for modern art movements.
Experience the Musée d’Orsay with a knowledgeable guide: Book our Orsay Private tour or our Orsay Private Tour with Saint-Germain district.
Our Montmartre Private tour is also related to impressionists and post-impressionist painters.
If you are a fan of arts, also see our extensive Louvre tours catalog by Yves, our Louvre tour guide.
Whatever, explore our range of Paris private tours to make the most of your visit to the City of Light! Yves webpage is also full of information about is tours in Paris.
Unless otherwise noted, images are from The Yorck Project (2002). GFDL