French Impressionism returns to the NGV

A lavish display of impressionist work comes to the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) this winter, showcasing more than 100 iconic paintings and works never-before-seen in Australia.

This exhibition charts the trajectory of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism in late 19^th century France. At the centre of the impressionist movement was radical experimentation, with this exhibition highlighting the renowned avant-garde artists who boldly rejected the artistic conventions of their time.

More than 100 paintings by key figures are featured, many drawn Boston's Museum of Fine Arts rich collection of Impressionist masterworks. Names such as Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissarro, Édouard Manet, Mary Cassatt are included, along with many others.

“These are paintings rarely seen outside the US,” Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said, adding the gallery was “extremely proud” to be supporting this exhibition showcasing works that “transformed the art world”.

Moving through this carefully curated selection, audiences will have the opportunity to see the hallmarks of French Impressionism: distinctive brushwork, vivid use of colour, innovative viewpoints, and depictions of subjects and places dear to the artists.

Accompanying the paintings themselves are the stories of the artists, exhibitions and collectors that shaped the movement. Journals, articles and letters offer insight into the thoughts and observations of the artists themselves, evoking the energy and intellectual dynamism of the period. Their voices reveal the social connections, artistic influences and personal rivalries that united the group at the centre of this new art movement.

An exhibition highlight will be a breathtaking display of 16 canvases in one gallery by a name that has entered popular imagination: Claude Monet.

Painted over a 30-year period, these paintings depict many of Monet’s most famous scenes of nature in Argenteuil, the Normandy coast, the Mediterranean coast and his garden in Giverny. Together, these paintings demonstrate the full scope of the artist’s immeasurable contribution to the Impressionist movement.

This is French Impressionism’s second time in Australia, with its first visit shut down just after opening due to pandemic restrictions. The return of these works is a second chance to experience one of the largest and most significant collections of French Impressionism ever to visit Australia – all exclusively on loan to the NGV from the MFA’s renowned collection in Boston.

Directors of Boston’s Museum of Fine Art, Matthew Teitelbaum, Ann and Graham Gund are “delighted to have a second chance to share this meaningful exhibition with the people of Australia.”

“French Impressionism is truly a revelation that brings together masterpieces of this transformational moment in the history of art – and foregrounds the voices of the artists at the centre of it all,” they said in a statement.

“We are grateful to the National Gallery of Victoria for their partnership and their extraordinary vision in creating an experience for visitors that is truly one of a kind.”

To celebrate the opening, a series of talks expanding on the themes of the exhibition will be held on July 7. Dr Katie Hanson the William and Ann Elfers Curator of Paintings, Art of Europe from the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston will give a keynote talk titled Manet, Meurent and Modern Paris, presented in partnership with HSBC.

French Impressionism from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston is on display until October 5, 2025 at NGV International, St Kilda Rd, Melbourne. Tickets are available here.