Impressionism's enduring legacy is the subject of two blockbuster exhibitions, Monet to Matisse: Defying Tradition at the Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA) and Discovering the Impressionists: Paul Durand-Ruel, Art Dealer Among the Artists, at Geelong Gallery. These exhibitions offer a fresh perspective on the movement, exploring its impact on artists, its reception in the US, and its lasting influence on modern art.
The Radical Nature of Impressionism
Impressionism's radicalism lay in its innovative use of light and color. The Impressionists were the first to take their easels outdoors, embracing the natural light and capturing the fleeting beauty of the moment. This shift from the studio to the outdoors, made possible by the invention of tubed paint, revolutionized their art. Erin Corrales-Diaz, curator of American Art at the Toledo Museum of Art, highlights the accessibility of this new medium, allowing artists to paint en plein air and capture the essence of a scene in a single session.
The impact of this approach was profound. Marianne Mathieu, co-curator of Discovering the Impressionists at Geelong Gallery, notes the dramatic transformation of paintings as artists worked in full light. This shift in perspective and technique set Impressionism apart from the traditional, studio-bound art of the Paris Salon.
Paul Durand-Ruel: Champion of the Impressionists
A pivotal figure in the story of Impressionism was Paul Durand-Ruel, a second-generation Parisian art dealer. Durand-Ruel's encounter with Monet and Pissarro's work in London ignited his passion for Impressionism. Despite the French public's initial disdain, he devoted his life to championing the movement, establishing international markets for the artists' work and providing them with much-needed income. His support extended to a second generation of Impressionists, including Albert André, Georges d'Espagnat, Gustave Loiseau, Maxime Maufra, and Henry Moret, whose work is featured in the Geelong Gallery exhibition.
Claire Durand-Ruel, a Pissarro expert and co-curator of Discovering the Impressionists, emphasizes the deep gratitude of the Impressionists for Durand-Ruel's support. The portrait of Durand-Ruel by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, commissioned when he was 80, is a testament to his success and the affection of his fellow artists.
Impressionism in the US
The influence of Impressionism spread to the US, where American artists embraced the style's techniques. William Merritt Chase, whose work appears in the AGSA show, opened a summer school on Long Island to teach Impressionist techniques, including plein air painting. This cultural exchange facilitated a reverse flow in the 20th century, as European artists fled to the US to escape war and persecution, introducing American audiences to the European avant-garde.
Corrales-Diaz notes the influence of these European artists on the Abstract Expressionist movement, which flourished in New York in the postwar period. This shift in the art world's epicenter from Paris to New York demonstrates the dynamism and translation of Impressionism's legacy.
Legacy and Appreciation
The 19th-century audience's slow embrace of Impressionism is not surprising, according to AGSA curator Tansy Curtin. New art movements can be challenging, and contemporary art often faces similar resistance. However, the passage of time allows us to appreciate these artworks without the complicating factor of social critique. Distance provides space for reflection, and the joy and dynamism of Impressionism resonate with modern viewers.
The exhibitions at AGSA and Geelong Gallery offer a comprehensive exploration of Impressionism's legacy, showcasing the works of leading European and American artists, the influence of Paul Durand-Ruel, and the movement's impact on American art. These exhibitions remind us of the enduring power of Impressionism and its ability to inspire and captivate audiences across generations.
