The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
First glimpse of Monet work creates lasting impression
Gallery: Opening door on exclusive collection at Aberdeen Art Gallery
by Christine Rew,
It was the movement which gave the world Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s NudeandEdouardManet’s The Luncheon on the Grass.
And today Press and Journal readers can enjoy their own glimpse into the era of the impressionists with the first of six exclusive Aberdeen Art Gallery prints.
Claude Monet ’ s La Falaise à Fécamp is an early example of his series of cliff paintings which were a product of his love of the Normandy coastline.
As a young boy he had moved to stay at Le Havre in the north-west of France and returned frequently to capture its dramatic seascapes.
From around 1870, the Paris-born artist became one of the pioneers of working “en plein air” – outside – rather than in a studio.
Ironically, whenyoungimpressionists were experimenting in the late 1800s, their efforts were derided by the critics of the day as sketchy and unfinished. Today, of course, t h e i r works are among the most popular and prized in the art world. La Falaise à Fécamp was formerly in the collection of Sir James Murray – a hugely important figure in the history of Aberdeen Art Gallery who served as its chairman from 1901-28. A passionate collector and an enthusiastic philanthropist, he donated a number of works to the gallery and La Falaise à Fécamp was purchased in 1927 with his support.
So even decades ago, public galleries and museums, including Aberdeen Art Gallery, relied on the generosity and dedication of individuals to survive and flourish.
La Falaise à Fécamp recently made the journey to Ordrupgaard Museum in Denmark, where it will be ondisplay aspartofMonet: Beyond Impressionism, Scandinavia’s biggest exhibition of impressionist works in recent times.
I accompanied it on its three-day trip in an air suspension truck, travelling through the Channel Tunnel and across Belgium and Germany to the museum north of Copenhagen.
When paintings travel, they are carefully checked, packed in individual crates
“Their works are among the most prized in the art world”
and securely fastened inside the vehicle to prevent any movement. And when we arrived at Ordrupgaard, the cratewas left unopened overnight to allow the painting to acclimatise.
Ordrupgaard shares Aberdeen Art Gallery’s growing architectural interest, with its 2007 wing designed by internationally acclaimed architect, the late Zaha Hadid. ..............................................................
Monet: A Step Beyond Impressionism continues at the Ordrupgaard MuseumuntilDecember4. For more information, visit www.ordrupgaard.dk/en/