The Inventing Impressionism exhibition at the National Gallery features 85 masterpieces from the movement, all but one having passed through Paul Durand-Ruel’s hands, including three of Renoir’s famous ‘Dances’ and five from Monet’s ‘Poplars’ series.

The Columbia University Club of London invites alumni to visit the exhibition prior to a special reception and conversation between alumna Flavie Durand-Ruel '93CC and Anne Robbins. The exhibition visit start time is 4:30 p.m. though you can enter the gallery after that, until 5:15 p.m. The reception and conversation will begin around 6:00 p.m. at the Bar in The National Cafe.

Flavie Durand-Ruel '93CC, is the archive director of the Durand-Ruel Archives, home to the rich memory of Paul Durand-Ruel, prominent dealer of Impressionists and Post-Impressionists. She is also his great-great-great granddaughter. Anne Robbins is a curator at the National Gallery, who has co-curated the exhibition and is currently working on an exhibition about ‘Painters’ Paintings’ – Paintings from the National Gallery previously owned by painters for summer 2016.

Paul Durand-Ruel redefined the role of the art dealer. He established a network of galleries between Paris, London, Brussels, and New York, and organized international traveling exhibitions. The first to recognize the talent of the Barbizon School artists and the Impressionists, he championed their art and established the careers of ground-breaking artists including Monet, Degas, Manet, Renoir, Pissarro and Sisley.

Book your tickets here! This event is in partnership with the CAA Arts Access Program. CAA Arts Access serves as an alumni arts hub, providing exclusive access to programs, information, and Columbia communities. The entire Columbia alumni community is welcome. Click here is to explore the program's website.