The Impressionists are the most popular group in art history – millions flock every year to marvel at their masterpieces. But, to begin with, they were scorned, penniless and ridiculed mercilessly by critics and the people of Paris for their new style. Yet these outsiders went on to become the iconic founders of the world’s favorite art movement. Who were the maverick personalities that wielded their brushes in such a radical and provocative way? What led to them finally break free of the rules to hold their own radical exhibition on April 15, 1874, which has since taken on legendary status as the birth of the French art movement?

150 years later, the Musée d’Orsay, Paris and the National Gallery of Art, Washington DC have revisited this historic event in a major exhibition spanning the Atlantic. Exhibition On Screen brings these stunning exhibitions and the fascinating story behind them to cinemas with Dawn of Impressionism: Paris, 1874 and includes groundbreaking works from Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissarro, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Berthe Morisot, Édouard Manet, Henri Fantin-Latour, Eugène Boudin, Frédéric Bazille, Étienne-Prosper Berne-Bellecour, Auguste Lançon.

Told uniquely through the words of those who witnessed the birth of Impressionism – the artists, their contemporaries, art critics, writers and commentators of the time – the film reveals the political and social shifts which sparked their new approach to art. It reexamines the moment in history which changed art forever and highlights the crucial contributions of women artists to the Impressionist movement.

Directed by Ali Ray. The film runs 90 minutes. In-person only. Advance registration recommended.