Embark on a Journey Through Time
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Impressionism with our exclusive private guided tours at the Musée d’Orsay, running from March 26th to July 14th. Experience a journey through history as we transport you to April 15, 1874, a pivotal moment in the art world.
Witness the Artistic Debate
Witness firsthand the spirited exchange between critics and artists as they grapple with the revolutionary brushstrokes of Monet, Pissarro, Renoir, and Morisot. Amidst laughter and scorn, critics jest at the “random” red and blue stains, ridiculing the artists who dared to defy convention by signing canvases with different names.
The Birth of Impressionism
It was during this uproar that Louis Leroy delivered his infamous line coining the term Impressionism. Here is an extract from Leroy’s article, with a translation:
“— Que représente cette toile? Voyez au livret.
— Impression, soleil levant.
— Impression, j’en étais sûr. Je me disais aussi, puisque je suis impressionné, il doit y avoir de l’impression là-dedans… Et quelle liberté, quelle aisance dans la facture ! Le papier peint à l’état embryonnaire est encore plus fait que cette marine-là…”
“ What’s this painting about? Look at the booklet.”
“Impression, Sunrise.”
“Impression — I knew it. I was thinking that since I’m impressed, there must be some impression in there. And the draftsmanship is so free, so effortless! Sketches for wallpaper are more developed than that seascape.”
Meet the Daring Rebels
But who were these daring rebels? Ambitious, provocative, and fiercely independent, figures like Claude Monet, Berthe Morisot, Alfred Sisley, and Mary Cassatt led the charge, challenging the norms of the art world and forever changing its course.
Now, 150 years later, the Musée d’Orsay invites you to relive this historic moment through a captivating exhibition. Explore a curated selection of Impressionist masterpieces juxtaposed with works celebrated by the official Salon, offering a unique perspective on the artistic ferment of the era.
Wander through fields of poppies, bustling café scenes, and intimate plein-air sketches as you immerse yourself in the forefront of a revolutionary movement.
Guided Tours by La Compagnie des Guides
Our private guided tours, led by the licensed expert tour guides of La Compagnie des Guides, bring this dynamic period to life, providing invaluable insights into the lives and works of the Impressionist masters.
Join us as we delve into the origins of a movement that forever changed art history. Experience the magic of Impressionism at the Musée d’Orsay and gain a deeper appreciation for this transformative period in the art world.
