From Famed Masters to a New Generation: Durand-Ruel’s Transatlantic Label “Impressionism”

International audienceThe term “impressionism” remained in an awkward position, as it simultaneously referred to a past in the process of being fixed and a present that was still producing paintings. The historicization of impressionism made him an actor of history and strengthened his status as an entrepreneur, a discoverer of novelties promised to a great future. The historiography of impressionism both confirmed that he had made the right choice and consecrated the reputation of his eye. The dealer’s strategy soon made its debut in the Parisian living art scene represented by the Salon d’Automne. The organizers of the Carnegie International seem to have shown some anxiety about the dealer’s desire to make the exhibition his showcase. The exhibition committee seems to have wanted to prevent an overexposure of the Durand-Ruel School