Monet, from the Musée d'Orsay collections

The Musée d'Orsay, which has the largest collection of works by Monet, is lending over forty masterpieces for a period of four months, to bring to life a special exhibition of the artist’s work, revealing the most important moments and developments that led him to be regarded as the father of Impressionism.
Several paintings are being presented in Italy for the first time, and in particular, the large central part of Luncheon on the Grass, one of Monet’s major works, an early affirmation of the new and daring concept of painting in the open air, a fundamental step on the path towards Impressionism. Other emblematic examples of Monet’s work and of modern painting are also on display, including Study of a figure outdoors: Woman with a Sunshade turned to the right, Rue Montergueil in Paris. Celebration of 30th June 1878, Rouen Cathedral: the Portal, Dull Weather and The Portal and Saint Romain Tower, full sun and London, the Parliament.