Monet's Monumental Work 'Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe' Makes Its Japan Debut

Impressionism, which was 'born' at the first Impressionist exhibition in 1874, caused a stir in the Parisian art world with its radically new style. The 'Musée d'Orsay Exhibition' features masterpieces by Impressionist masters such as Manet, Monet, Renoir, Degas, and Cézanne, all making their way to Japan.

The Musée d'Orsay, a 'temple of Impressionism,' opened in 1986 in a former railway station building on the Right Bank of the Seine, opposite the Louvre. Its collection primarily comprises Western art from France and beyond, dating from the Second Republic in 1848 to the outbreak of World War I in 1914, presenting a panorama of the diverse artistic movements of that era.

Alfred Sisley, 'Boats in the Flood, Port-Marly,' 1876, oil on canvas, 50.4×61cm ©RMN-Grand Palais (musée d'Orsay) / Hervé Lewandowski / distributed by AMF

Paul Cézanne, 'Still Life with Soup Tureen,' c. 1873-74, oil on canvas, 65×81.5cm ©RMN-Grand Palais (musée d'Orsay) / Hervé Lewandowski / distributed by AMF

This exhibition showcases 84 masterpieces from the esteemed Musée d'Orsay, all gathered in Tokyo. The collection features works that many will recognize. Notably, Claude Monet's monumental work, 'Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe,' which has rarely left France, will be publicly displayed in Japan for the first time.

The exhibition also includes Édouard Manet's iconic 'The Balcony,' said to be influenced by ukiyo-e prints, along with 11 other valuable works by the artist. Beyond Impressionism, the exhibition presents a curated selection of masterpieces from the Musée d'Orsay, including works by masters of Realism and Academicism.

The 'Musée d'Orsay Exhibition' offers a comprehensive view of French art from the late 19th century, a period of both tradition and innovation. It is an opportunity to encounter sublime paintings that forged a new path in art history.

Jean-François Millet, 'The Angelus,' 1857-59, oil on canvas, 55.5×66cm ©Musée d'Orsay, Dist.RMN-Grand Palais / Patrice Schmidt / distributed by AMF

Édouard Manet, 'The Reading,' 1865 / reworked 1873-75, oil on canvas, 61×73.2cm ©RMN-Grand Palais (musée d'Orsay) / Hervé Lewandowski / distributed by AMF

'Musée d'Orsay Exhibition: Birth of Impressionism – The Freedom to Paint –'
Dates: Wednesday, July 9 – Monday, October 20 (Closed Tuesdays, except August 12, September 23 (public holiday), and October 14. Closed September 24 (Wednesday)).
Hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (Fridays until 20:00. From Saturday, August 16 onwards, and from Sunday, October 12 onwards, open until 20:00 daily. Last admission 30 minutes before closing).
Venue: The National Art Center, Tokyo
7-22-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-5777-8600 (Hello Dial)
Admission: General ¥1600, University Students ¥1200, High School Students ¥800