Eugène Boudin – The Father of Impressionism

Dates: April 9 – August 31, 2025
Venue: Musée Marmottan Monet, Paris

1. Context and Objectives

This retrospective brings together 80 works from Yann Guyonvarc’h’s private collection, supplemented by ten pieces from the museum and national loans. The aim is to reveal Boudin beyond his stereotypical image and highlight his influence on Claude Monet.

2. Thematic Journey

• Normandy Origins: Quick plein-air studies (1840–1850) capturing meadows and estuaries.
• Brittany & Atlantic Coast: Large canvases (1860–1870) depicting cliffs and fishermen, with shifting atmospheres.
• Ports and Industry: Bordeaux and Northern ports (1870–1880) showing mist, shipyards, and harbor life.
• Mediterranean & Venice: Visits (1885–1895) bursting with vibrant colors and golden light, precursors to Fauvism.

3. Spotlight: The Guyonvarc’h Collection

Art enthusiast and methodical collector Yann Guyonvarc’h assembled over 200 works, selected here for their technical variety (watercolors, sketches, oils) and thematic breadth. Each piece is documented to trace Boudin’s artistic development.

4. Boudin & Monet Connection

The pivotal meeting in 1856: Boudin introduced Monet to plein-air painting (“I owe everything to Boudin”). The exhibition underscores this bond with a parallel display in the museum’s permanent collection.

5. Visit & Further Exploration

After this concise tour, continue to Monet’s works on the museum’s ground floor to appreciate Boudin’s enduring legacy within Impressionism.