Impressive collection shows artists' impact

Published on Monday 21 July 2008 09:11

Impressionism and Scotland **** National Gallery Complex, The Mound

TO mark the historic connections between Scotland and Impressionism, the National Gallery of Scotland has brought together a collection of some of the most important Impressionist water colours, pastels and paintings from 1840 to 1961.

The exhibition shows the Impressionists' impact upon Scottish artists and art collectors from the start of the movement.

Work by Degas, van Gogh, Renoir, Czanne and Pissarro are all accompanied by that of the most important Scottish Impressionists of their time.

Renoir's Bay of Naples, the first Impressionist piece bought by a Scottish collector, is just one highlight in this vast display.

Alongside this impressive body of work, notes and information boards provide interesting tales and an insight into the history of the works on show, such as the fact that Degas's Cafe L'Absinthe was hissed at when it first came to auction in the 1890s, due to the subject matter being supposedly "depraved".

Impressionism and Scotland gives the opportunity to understand the parallels between the various different types of Impressionists and their influences, while the narrative provided creates a fluid understanding of the beginnings of the movement in Scotland. There is also the unique opportunity to see a form of art that has influenced so many different mediums, including the written word.

The role collectors played in Impressionism is also detailed. Many were from Scotland, such as Alexander Reid and William Burrell, who alone acquired 18 of Edgar Degas works, such was his taste for avant-garde art.

Other highlights include John Lavery's highly coloured snapshot of Scotland's high society of the early 1900s, The Tennis Party.

The depth and range of pieces show Impressionism in many different lights and charts the influences that artists shared. It is the perfect introduction to one of the most influential movements in the history of art.

&#149 Runs until October 12