The Impressionists in London, our photos of the exhibition at the Petit Palais

With its exhibition The Impressionists in Londonvisiblefrom June 21, 2018 to October 14, 2018 , the Petit Palais reminds us that London was long a land of asylum for the French.

Back in 1871, the fall of the Second Empire and the Paris Commune prompted many French people to take refuge in the UK. At the time, London was a mecca for Impressionist painting, prompting many artists to choose this destination, aided by the art dealer Durand-Ruel.

In London, they discovered a large number of British artists following in the footsteps of William Turner, including Abbott Whistler Alfred Sisley. London even became a central place for Impressionist artists, who found mentors and a buoyant art market.

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For this exhibition, the Petit Palais takes us on a journey to London, with a tour interspersed with audio testimonials, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the daily lives of French artists in exile in London at the time.

We discover that renowned artists such as Carpeaux, Tissot and Daubigny settled there, while the younger generation of French painters sought recognition from the English public. Pissarro, Monet and Sisley were represented by the art dealer Durand-Ruel, who promoted French art in London. It was here that they developed their styles, and in turn inspired the artists who remained in France.

This exhibition, already presented at Tate Britain(London) in November 2017, was a success thanks to the paintings on show. It included 6 views by Claude Monet of the House of Parliament, overlooking the Thames, reunited for the 1st time.

A fine exhibition for Impressionist enthusiasts and lovers of the foggy, industrial atmosphere of Victorian London!

Please note that it's been over 4 years since our last visit, so the place and experience may have changed.