Paul Durand-Ruel
Paul Durand-Ruel (French pronunciation: [pɔl dyʁɑ̃ ʁɥɛl]; 31 October 1831 – 5 February 1922) was a French art dealer associated with the Impressionists and the Barbizon School.[1] Being the first to support artists such as Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, he is known for his innovations in modernizing art markets, and is generally considered to be the most important art dealer of the 19th century. An ambitious entrepreneur, Durand-Ruel cultivated international interest in French artists by establishing art galleries and exhibitions in London, New York, Berlin, Brussels, among other places.[2] Additionally, he played a role in the decentralization of art markets in France, which prior to the mid-19th century was monopolized by the Salon system.
Paul Durand-Ruel
31 October 1831
5 February 1922 (aged 90)
French
Art Dealing, Impressionist Movement, Modern Art Markets
Death[edit]
Durand-Ruel died on 5 February 1922 in Paris.
Legacy[edit]
While Paul Durand-Ruel has the legacy of bringing art to the free market, he viewed the pursuit of art as an end in itself. By seeking out the most authentic art, and investing in artists that he believed showed talent above all else, Durand-Ruel pioneered what it meant to be a modern art dealer. Furthermore, both Paul Durand-Ruel and his father attempted to separate their own political views from the subject matter of the art they supported; despite being conservatives, the Durand-Ruels invested in the progressive École de 1830.[19] As a result of his approach to art-dealing, Durand-Ruel is considered as the first dealer to show an appreciation for Impressionist art.[8]
Durand-Ruel was the subject of a major temporary exhibition titled "Inventing Impressionism" held at the National Gallery in London in 2015.[3]
Durand-Ruel owned a violin made by Francois Lupot in 1810 until his death. He bought the violin from Albert Caressa as stated on the certificate issued by Jacques Francais in 1955. The violin is offered on sale at 2023 October Auction of Ingles and Hayday.