Claude Monet: “Houses of Parliament”, c.1900. The Art Institute of Chicago (Chicago, USA)
‘Impressionists in London’ at Tate Britain Tate Britain presents ‘The EY Exhibition: Impressionists in London, French Artists in Exile (1870-1904)’, featuring over 100 beautiful works by Monet, Tissot, Pissarro and others. 2 November 2017 – 7 May 2018.]]>
Source: Tate Britain
The exhibition maps the artistic networks they built in Britain, consider the aesthetic impact London had on the artists’ work, and present instantly recognisable views of the city as seen through French eyes.
”The EY Exhibition: Impressionists in London” looks at French painters’ keen observations of British culture and social life, which were notably different to the café culture found in Paris. Evocative depictions of figures enjoying London parks such as Pissarro’s “Kew Green” 1892 are shown, that were in stark contrast to formal French gardens where walking on the grass was prohibited. Scenes of regattas fringed with bunting as painted by Alfred Sisley and James Tissot in “The Ball on Shipboard” c.1874 is also shown, demonstrating how British social codes and traditions captured the imagination of the Impressionists at the time.
While in London, French artists gravitated towards notable figures who would help them develop their careers and provide them with financial support. The exhibition looks at the mentorship Monet received from Charles-François Daubigny and consider the significant role of opera singer and art patron Jean-Baptiste Faure – works that he owned including Sisley’s “Molesey Weir, Hampton Court, Morning 1874” are displayed. One of the most influential figures to be celebrated is art dealer Paul Durand-Ruel, who first met Monet and Pissarro in London during their exile in 1870-71. Durand-Ruel purchased over 5000 Impressionist works over his lifetime which, in Monet’s own words, saved them from starving.
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