On July 14, 2015, the new EXHIBITION ON SCREEN film “The Impressionists and the Man Who Made Them” will be presented in over 300 movie theaters across the country. Through unprecedented access to Discovering the Impressionists: Paul Durand-Ruel and the New Painting, currently on view at the Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA)—the exclusive U.S. venue for the exhibition—movie audiences will be taken back in time to 19th century Europe to meet the man who discovered and championed the Impressionists. Experimenting with a new style of painting, Cassatt, Cézanne, Degas, Manet, Monet, Pissarro, Renoir and their colleagues were initially ridiculed by their peers and the public. Critics accused them of making crude impressions rather than finished paintings, and they struggled to find receptive audiences for their revolutionary work.

The legendary art dealer Durand-Ruel was an exception. By purchasing large inventories from the artists and showing the works in his galleries in monographic exhibitions, he helped develop a market in Germany, England, France, and the U.S. In 1886, he presented dozens of Impressionist works in the U.S., encountering wealthy and adventurous collectors. Between 1871 and 1922, Durand-Ruel purchased some 12,000 pictures, including more than 1,000 Monets, approximately 1,500 Renoirs, more than 400 works each by Degas, Cassatt, and Sisley, about 800 Pissarros, and close to 200 Manets.

The story of the arc from derision to eventual triumph for the Impressionists and the pivotal role of Durand-Ruel is related in the film by art historians, experts, and scholars. Included is commentary by curators from the organizing institutions including the PMA, the National Gallery in London, and, in Paris, the Musée de Luxembourg and Musée d’Orsay. Drawing upon their extensive scholarship, they discuss the greatest masterpieces of the movement now on display at the PMA and provide insights into the artistic process. Durand-Ruel’s essential role in promoting the artists and his astute understanding of the market is revealed through diaries, letters, and archival material. His enlightened view of Impressionism and steadfast support of the artists themselves resulted in their eventual representation in premier museums and private collections around the globe and, ultimately, the extraordinary value—both aesthetic and monetary—placed on their work.

EXHIBITION ON SCREEN films provide a virtual tour in high definition on the big screen for those unable to see major exhibitions first-hand. For those who visit the museums and want to know more, they deliver a deeper understanding and second look at masterpieces through the lens of historical context and expert insights.

To preview a trailer for the film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osXB5FqNvSg

For local listings and to buy tickets: http://www.fathomevents.com/event/the-impressionists

The exhibition Discovering the Impressionists is organized by the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the National Gallery, London, and the Réunion des musées nationaux - Grand Palais in collaboration with the Musée d’Orsay, Paris. The Durand-Ruel Archives in Paris generously provided research assistance. The exhibition was previously on view at Musée de Luxembourg, Paris, and the National Gallery, London.

Seventh Art Productions

In 2011, Phil Grabsky and his company, Seventh Art Productions, brought major art exhibitions into cinemas across the globe with “Leonardo Live” from London’s National Gallery. This was the first ever live-to-cinema exhibition broadcast from a gallery or museum. Grabsky and Seventh Art Productions are also the award-winning film-makers behind “Muhammad Ali: Through the Eyes of the World,” “The Boy who Plays on the Buddhas of Bamiyan,” the acclaimed “In Search Of” classical composers series, “Escape from Luanda” and “The Boy Mir - Ten Years in Afghanistan.” Among his many other films are over 120 Tim Marlow art programs that have broadcasted on TV over the past decade. Grabsky made the first 3D visual arts film, “Tim Marlow on British Sculpture at the Royal Academy of Arts,” and six award-winning history films with Monty Python’s Terry Jones. Working with co-director David Bickerstaff, Grabsky completed the lauded short documentary “Heavy Water: a Journey to Chernobyl” as well as “The Making of Swallows and Amazons - the Bristol Old Vic Sets Sail” and “Making War Horse” exploring the creative processes behind theatrical productions. Phil has written four books, including The Great Artists with Tim Marlow.

www.seventh-art.com

Arts Alliance Ltd

Arts Alliance is the leading producer, financier, distributor, and marketer of Event Cinema worldwide. With over 70 event cinema releases across screens around the globe, Arts Alliance develops, markets and distributes world-class shows to audiences in 4000+ screens in over 60 territories, engaging fans with the content they are most passionate about. In the fast-growing Event Cinema market, the Arts Alliance slate features exciting, multi-dimensional content across all genres including live opera and ballet, dynamic art exhibitions, theater productions, and the best rock & pop events. Highlights from the Arts Alliance Event Cinema slate include “The Royal Opera House Live Cinema Season 2014/15,” “One Direction: Where We Are – The Concert Film,” “Cobain: Montage of Heck” and “Globe on Screen 2014.”

www.artsalliance.com