The Best of French Impressionism

The past months in the art market were marked by a delightful and buoyant return of buyers to market of the avant-garde of French Impressionism, Symbolism, and the Surrealist movements. If a good quality example was presented at auction or in the market we are seeing renewed eagerness. The good news is that collections are arriving back into the market perhaps due to a generational handoff.

French Impressionism stands as one of the most interesting and revolutionary moments in art history: born in the 1860s–1880s, it challenged academic conventions by embracing painting en plein air, modern life, and a new understanding of light and color that transformed perception and laid the groundwork for modern art. It remains one of the most interesting time periods in terms of the stories of the artists and their comradeship as a group. This shift helped redefine taste and market dynamics, and while there felt to be a dip in collecting interest for Impressionist works a couple years ago in the shadow of Contemporary art, it has surged back as the irrepressible appeal of the work itself speaks. 

We are pleased to be participating in this activity with exceptional and impressive offerings—Loiseau’s Pont-Aven paintings, Puigaudeau works of major scale, light-drenched Henri Martin’s of Marquaryol, rare Montmartre train scenes by Joncières, and Fauve-inflected Valtat still lifes amongst others.

As we move toward the May market, we anticipate another notable Impressionist season; we will monitor the May sales and share updates.