An impressionist exhibit featuring pieces from around the world is on display at the Nassau County Museum of Art in Roslyn Harbor until July 10.
The exhibit, titled “Impressionism: a World View,” includes works from some of the most notable impressionists throughout the world such as Renoir, Degas, Mary Cassatt and many others. Impressionism is described by the museum as “a way of understanding the world that transcended both borders and time periods,” in a press release promoting the exhibit, which has been on display since March 19.
“At the core of the exhibition is a dialogue between France and America,” according to the press release. “The discovery of Impressionism was a momentous shift in perception as well as art.”
The world’s first group of true impressionist painters banded together and used vibrant colors in depictions of the world around them to combat the popularization of photography. While impressionism wanted to distinguish itself from photography, capturing people going about their days was one of the influences photography had on the rapid spread of impressionism, museum officials said.
“Instead of attempting to depict the landscape itself, the Impressionists captured the ‘envelope’ of air between the eye and the motif, such as a cathedral or haystack, using a loose style of brushwork typified by the comma stroke and bright patches … of pure color,” the press release said.
Museum Director Charles Reily described impressionism as “the art of color and the art of light,” saying some of the pieces on display would be featured in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Museum officials said the influence of impressionism stemming from Paris and other European areas resulted in American painters, such as Cassat, learning under the tutelage of Degas, Childe Hassam and others. The impressionist style also made its way directly to America, specifically parts of Long Island, where outdoor settings were captured by other artists and are also featured in the exhibit.
Officials said the exhibit is accompanied by various programs that include artist discussions, orchestral and chamber concerts, and lectures.
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., with admission costing $15 for adults, $10 for seniors 62 or older and $5 for students and children 4 to 12 years old.