The Birth of Impressionism

Tonight I went to see the deYoung’s current exhibit of the “Birth of Impressionism: Materpieces from the Musée d’Orsay.” What a charming show! Through the work of Manet, Degas, Monet, Renoir, Pissarro, Cezanne, Bouguereau and Whistler, it shows how 19^th century art in Paris was transformed from the classical, idealized human form of allegorical, historical or religious themes of the State-sanctioned salon to the contemporary, realistic subjects in seemingly unfinished work of the avant-garde artists of the time. I really enjoyed Manet’s brushy, unfinished, flat work and the wonderful compositions of Degas (he cuts the persons in half or shows the hindquarters of the horse prominently).

I am always inspired when I attend a good show; it inspires me to tap into my own creativity to do my own art. And it makes me a bit sad for the work I do not do.

Edouard Manet The Fifer ©Musee d’Orsay

James Abbott McNeill Whistler Arrangement in Gray and Black, No. 1: Portrait of the Painter’s Mother. ©Musee d’Orsay