The remarkable story of how Scotland became home to one of the world’s greatest collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art is explored in this film to accompany The National Galleries’ big summer 2022 exhibition, A Taste for Impressionism | Modern French Art from Millet to Matisse.
While I was unable to see this exhibition in person, I did attend virtually and invite you to enjoy this short video with me today.
This film and the exhibition shares fascinating stories about how visionary Scottish collectors invested in, what were then, innovative and radical artworks, and reveal how they found their way into Scotland’s national collection. The discussion included thoughts on the rising prices of these artworks, and the new market for forgeries this sparked.
During his first spring in Arles, south of France, Van Gogh painted at least ten pictures of these blossoming trees. He was fascinated by the contrast of the pinkish-white blooms against the blue sky and complained when bad weather stopped him from working in the orchards. One of these paintings was shown in the 1910 Post-Impressionist exhibition in London. While the British press were highly critical of this display, Van Gogh’s expressive brushstrokes, colours and ‘romantic temperament’ received rare praise. National Galleries Scotland
Sea-bathing became fashionable in France in the second half of the nineteenth century and Boudin began painting scenes of holidaymakers on the beach at Trouville and Deauville as early as 1862. These works were so popular that he soon developed a smaller format and sketchy technique, painting rapidly in the open air. In this work holidaymakers (mostly women) sit and chat in small groups, stroll up and down the beach or observe the boats in the bay. National Galleries Scotland
ChasingART 
Impressionism is my fave.
Love the video!
The Beach is delicious. Thank you, Rebecca!
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So glad that you joined me in Edinburgh. Did you hear the bagpipe on the corner?
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Ahh, the pipes! I love the pipes. They haunt with the songs of time. They tease with the tunes of love. They inspire with the marches of heroes!
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You have a wonderful way of saying truths!
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Ah! It’s from my Irish father.
He could say truths beautifully, had a velvet tongue.
Unfortunately he wasn’t able to tell the truth. lol & hugs
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Hi Rebecca, as you have probably realised, I am rather fond of van Gogh’s work and I love this blossom painting too. The other is an interesting piece of history which I enjoyed studying.
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Dame Vivienne Isabel Westwood was an English fashion designer and business women who was instrumental in bringing modern punk and new wave fashions into the mainstream. She wrote: “You’ve got to invest in the world, you’ve got to read, you’ve got to go to art galleries, you’ve got to find out the names of plants. You’ve got to start to love the world and know about the whole genius of the human race. We’re amazing people.”
This quote is the essence of why I blog. There are so many wonderful stories that happened in history and are happening today.
Thank you for joining me in Edinburgh!!!
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You had me at Scotland especially as we weren’t through In Edinburgh when this was on. it is a wonderful place. xxxxxxxxx
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Tolle Infos und Bilder. Frohe Ostertage. Ernst
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My favorite type of art. I especially enjoyed the video!
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I am delighted that you enjoyed this post and video, Becky. I share you love this type of art. I find that the National Galleries Scotland has great videos that bring out the backstory on art, artists, collectors, and investors. I continue to learn.
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That’s good to know, Rebecca. Thank you!
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I am thrilled how art galleries and museums have become virtual so more can walk through their doors from afar. I would have loved to visit this exhibition, but I was able to see through the lens of a video.
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This way we can all see them!
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Some very discerning, forward-thinking people in Scotland to have acquired many French Impressionist works back in the day. A great post, Rebecca!
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Thank you Dave for your insightful comments. I agree – these industrialists embraced an emerging art form when others remained more traditional. They were certainly forward thinking and had the resources to support artistic endeavours. We are reaping the benefits today. Many thanks for stopping by!
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So lovely Rebecca!
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Thank you for joining me virtually at National Galleries Scotland, Cindy.
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