A unique opportunity to see works by Degas, Gauguin, Monet, Pissaro, as well as twenty-one canvases by Renoir, has opened at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA). More than a million people worldwide have already viewed the 75 Impressionist paintings on loan from the Sterling and Francine Clarke Art Institute, but this is the first time the collection has come to Canada.
According to Nathalie Bondil, the director of the MMFA and chief curator of this exhibit, “Impressionism has become the best loved and most popular art movement of all time, and yet it turned the world of Western art upside down, restructuring it [into] what it is today. More than a style of painting, it crystallized the aspirations of an era of profound changes in society.” Once Upon a Time… Impressionism makes it easy to see why.
The show is organized in line with new research in art history. It tells the story of Impressionism while keeping abreast of the historical context, and deals with themes such as ecology and optical science, the momentum of modern life, art as a commodity, artistic subversion as a manifestation of political progress, and Impressionism’s role in women’s liberation. If you’ve ever wondered why a particular movement is important, or why we should care about art, do not miss this exhibit (nor the incredible information and quotes printed on the walls throughout the exhibit).
In particular, make sure to catch a glimpse of Renoir’s “Peonies” (begin close and move back slowly to experience a focal change in the canvas from blur to near-photographic), “Sleeping Girl,” the famous “A Box at the Theatre—At the Concert,” and “Blonde Bather.” Monet’s “Tulip Fields at Sassenheim, near Leiden” is quintessential Impressionism. Pissaro’s “Road: Rain Effect” beautifully conveys a nostalgic rainy day feeling. Degas’ “Dancers in the Classroom” and sculpture “Little Dancer of Fourteen Years” will demand close examination. Gérôme’s “The Snake Charmer” brings to life the stereotypical European view of the ‘exotic’ Middle East in sharp hyper-realism and unparalleled image depth. Stevens’ “A Duchess—The Blue Dress” is visually intriguing due to the velvet of the subject’s dress.
The hype surrounding the exhibit is more than merited. Be prepared to spend a couple of hours walking through the four rooms of the show, completely absorbed by the paintings themselves; approaching them up close (unlike many exhibits of famous works, only a thin sheet of glass separates the canvas from the viewer) to peer at the prominent, often pixel-like, brushstrokes characteristic of Impressionism, and then moving back across the room to observe the optical illusion of each stroke and smear of garish colour blending together into a cohesive whole. The two hours I spent at the exhibit weren’t anywhere near enough; art lovers, plan for a second visit.
Once Upon a Time… Impressionism: Great French Paintings from the Clarke is at the MMFA until January 20th. Tickets are $12 for those under 30; $10 Wednesday evenings from 5 to 9 p.m.
