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Dance at Bougival, 1883 Pierre-Auguste Renoir, French Oil on canvas 71 5/8 x 38 5/8 inches (181.9 x 98.1 cm) Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Picture Fund; Courtesy Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Dance at Bougival, 1883 Pierre-Auguste Renoir, French Oil on canvas 71 5/8 x 38 5/8 inches (181.9 x 98.1 cm) Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Picture Fund; Courtesy Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Exhibition

Discovering the Impressionists: Paul Durand-Ruel and the New Painting

June 24–September 13, 2015

Uncover the untold story of Monet, Renoir, Manet, Degas, Pissarro, and their visionary art dealer and champion, Paul Durand-Ruel. This extraordinary gathering of paintings reveals the story of Monet, Renoir, Degas, Manet, Pissarro, and their visionary art dealer and champion, Paul Durand-Ruel. The artists now known as the Impressionists once struggled to introduce their new style of painting to critics and the public. With Durand-Ruel, they forged an identity and moved from the margins to international fame. Recaptured in this exhibition are the often forgotten setbacks and breakthrough triumphs of Impressionism. Monet's visions of graceful poplar trees, Renoir's joyous dance paintings, and Pissarro's luminous cityscapes showcase the talent recognized by Durand-Ruel. Durand-Ruel secured Impressionism's place in history through tireless promotion across Europe and the United States—enthusiastic Americans ensured its success. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is the only US venue for this landmark exhibition.

Exhibition Trailer

The Triumph of Impressionism

Monet's "Poplar" Series

Dorrance Special Exhibition Galleries, first floor

Main Building

Museum map

Preview the Exhibition

Get a sneak peek at works in this exhibition.

Organizers

The exhibition is organized by the Philadelphia Museum of Art, by the National Gallery, London, and by the Réunion des musées nationaux - Grand Palais in collaboration with the Musée d'Orsay, Paris.

Sponsors

The exhibition is made possible by The Women's Committee of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Robert Lehman Foundation, Christie's, The Annenberg Endowment for Special Exhibitions, and The Harriet and Ronald Lassin Fund for Special Exhibitions. Additional support has been provided by Dennis Alter, Steve and Gretchen Burke, Maude de Schauensee, John and Gloria Drosdick, Lois G. and Julian A. Brodsky, Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Linck, Martha Hamilton Morris and I. Wistar Morris III, Mr. and Mrs. John M. Thalheimer, Bruce and Robbi Toll, Margaret and David Langfitt, Barbara B. and Theodore R. Aronson, Constance and Sankey Williams, and other generous donors. The exhibition is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities.

Curators

Joseph J. Rishel, The Gisela and Dennis Alter Senior Curator of European Painting before 1900, and Senior Curator of the John G. Johnson Collection and the Rodin Museum; and Jennifer Thompson, The Gloria and Jack Drosdick Associate Curator of European Painting and Sculpture before 1900 and the Rodin Museum

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