From Claude Monet’s water lilies to Edgar Degas’ ballerina statue, Impressionism remains a hallmark movement in French art history. France produced a laundry list of Impressionist artists: Monet, Degas, Morisot, Manet, Pissarro, and beyond. Although the movement wasn’t embraced at first, Impressionism remains a fan favorite for its bright colors and subject matter. And Paris is a playground when it comes to Impressionist art. We’re sharing some of the top names in the Impressionist movement as well as where you can see their masterpieces in France.
The Impressionist’s Guide to France
The Impressionist Movement
The Impressionism movement wasn’t widely embraced from the get-go; the very name of the movement was a dig. After viewing Claude Monet’s “Impression, Sunrise,” critic Louis Leroy claimed it was an unfinished sketch or an impression, according to the Met. Despite his critique in the late 1800s, the movement clearly survived and thrived since then. Along with bright colors, Impressionism is known for its “short, broken brushstrokes that barely convey forms, pure unblended colors, and an emphasis on the effects of light,” says art historian Margaret Samu. France has a wealth of Impressionist artists to discover. Here are several important names to know in the Impressionist movement and where you can experience their art in France.
Claude Monet
It’s impossible to talk about Impressionism without a tip of the hat to Claude Monet, a leader of this art movement. He grew in popularity during his lifetime and was commissioned by the Orangerie des Tuileries to create a dozen waterlily paintings, per Biography.com. Some of the best places to see his artwork in France are at the Musée d’Orsay, the Musée de l’Orangerie and the Musée Marmottan Monet. Admire his renowned water lilies up close and personal and discover his other pieces, such as “Londres, le Parlement” or “La Cathédrale de Rouen.” Take a day trip from Paris to Giverny where you can visit Claude Monet’s home and see the very water lilies that inspired him.
Read our article on Claude Monet’s life and legacy and even more places to see his artwork.
Edgar Degas
Whereas Monet often painted nature scenes, Edgar Degas is known for his portrayal of dance and horse races, according to Beaux Arts Magazine. Multicultural from the cradle, Degas had a father with Italian roots and an American mother; he was born in Paris. You can find pieces of painter and sculptor Edgar across the globe, but return to his roots with a trip to Paris. At the Musée d’Orsay, marvel at his various dancer statues and his paintings such as “Répétition d’un ballet sur la scène.”
Guided Themed Tour at the Musée d’Orsay
In a museum with as much Impressionist art as the Musée d’Orsay, it’s hard to know where to begin. With French Side Travel, you can make the most of your visit to this iconic spot. During your two-hour visit, your licensed guide will enlighten you on the theme of your choice, from impressionism to modernism.
Berthe Morisot
For Berthe Morisot, art was in her blood. Granddaughter of Rococo artist Jean-Honoré Fragonard, she started painting as a young girl and studied under different artists, per Biography.com. In a male-dominated world, Berthe Morisot made her name known in the Impressionist movement. And in 1864, she started exhibiting her work at the Salon. She’s also remembered for her friendship with fellow artist Édouard Manet.
“Never commercially successful during her lifetime, she nevertheless outsold Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Alfred Sisley,” according to an article in Britannica. Admire her craftsmanship in her pieces such as “The Cradle” at the Musée d’Orsay or “Eugène Manet on the Isle of Wight” at the Musée Marmottan.
Édouard Manet
No, it’s not a spelling error! Claude Monet also was irked at first that many confused the two due to their similar last names, per Biography.com. Manet was a regular at the Louvre and therefore knew his classics, according to the Beaux Arts Magazine. He faced rejection during his lifetime: from the École des Beaux Arts and the 1863 Salon, per Beaux Arts. However, one influential man by the name of Émile Zola celebrated Manet, according to the Musée d’Orsay.
Today you can even see one of Manet’s pieces at the Louvre. But much of his work can be seen and appreciated at the Musée d’Orsay, such as “Berthe Morisot with a Bouquet of Violets” or “Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe.”
You might also be interested in our article on the best museums in France, beyond the Louvre.
Camille Pissarro
He may not be the very first name to come to mind at the mention of Impressionism. However, Camille Pissarro is the only artist to show his pieces at each of the eight Impressionist exhibitions, per Britannica. The son of French Jewish parents, Pissarro was born on the island of Saint Thomas but moved to Paris to boarding school, according to the Guggenheim. He also mentored up and coming artists, including Paul Cézanne and Paul Gauguin.
Like Manet, Pissarro spent considerable time at the Louvre, per Britannica. And today you can see several of his pieces in the place that once inspired him. You can also admire this Impressionist artist’s work at Musée d’Orsay and his eponymous museum in Pontoise, just outside of Paris.
Where to Stay in Paris
Le Roch Hôtel & Spa
This five-star boutique hotel not only offers 37 luxurious rooms but also a brief walk to the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay. After a full day of art, unwind in the hotel’s inner courtyard and treat yourself to a trip to its hammam. A stay in Le Roch also means access to its in-house restaurant, Maison 28, where you can feast on French classics.
Hotel Brach
A brief walk to the Musée Marmottan, this five-star hotel finds its inspiration from the Bauhaus and surrealist movements. This hotel’s 65 rooms and suites will enchant you in this calm yet conveniently located neighborhood. From its in-suite jacuzzis to Eiffel tower views, these rooms are an experience in and of itself. The hotel also offers pool and gym access, exercise classes and personal training sessions.
Feeling inspired by the many artists of the Impressionist movement? From Monet to Manet, Morisot to Degas, France is a treasure chest for art lovers. At French Side Travel, we’re here to help you plan a seamless, meaningful trip. Contact one of our travel specialists today to start planning. You might also like: A Historical and Cultural Escape to Paris or A Journey Through History, Art, and Nature in Charming France.
