Paris, 1874. Rejected by the art establishment, a group of painters defiantly set up their own exhibition - a bold move in an era where acceptance into traditional exhibitions was critical to an artists’ career. Mocking the unusual style of the paintings on display, a satirical review of the show described the painters as ‘impressionists’. Little did he realise he had just labelled the most popular movement in art history.

Nowadays, as millions flock to galleries every year to marvel at Impressionist masterpieces, from Monet’s Water Lillies to Degas’ Ballet scenes, it is hard to believe that these artists were once penniless outsiders. So, what led to that first groundbreaking show 150 years ago? And who were the maverick personalities that wielded their brushes in such a radical and provocative way?

At Showroom Cinema, we’re inviting you to discover this tale of passion and rebellion on the big screen, in the latest documentary by the Exhibition on Screen team. Showcasing the spectacular exhibition at the Musée d’Orsay, this new film tells the story in the words of those who witnessed the dawn of Impressionism: the artists, press and people of Paris, 1874.

The Impressionist style that has made Monet, Renoir, Degas, Morisot, Pissarro, Sisley and Cézanne household names, is characterised by subject matter, technique and the evolving technologies of the time. Landscapes, and scenes from modern urban and suburban life painted in bright, pure colours and an emphasis on light and atmosphere are typical. Taking advantage of new pre-mixed paint tubes and synthetic pigments, Impressionists regularly created their paintings outdoors rather than in a studio; their rapidly applied brushstrokes are often visible. So fascinated with capturing light and nature, Monet even transformed a simple vegetable garden with carefully curated flowers and ponds to inspire his canvases. The result of nearly thirty years of work, Monet’s enormous scenes of a Japanese bridge over water lillies are some of art’s most iconic images. Today, they are still seen as a timeless respite from the increasingly busy urban world that dominates modern life.

Exhibition on Screen films offer an unprecedented opportunity to not only see these works of art in high definition but also have them contextualised by the industry’s most prominent experts. Meet the unique personalities behind the world’s favourite art movement and see the show that changed everything on the big screen.

Exhibition on Screen: Dawn of Impressionism – Paris 1874 is coming to Showroom Cinema on 18 and 23 March. On sale now:  /dawnofimpressionism