Everyone knows Claude Monet and his work. His magnificent Water Lilies continue to surprise us. We know much less of Léon Monet, his brother, who however played a fundamental role in the artist's career. The new exhibition at the Musée du Luxembourg is entirely dedicated to this little-known brother, but very important to Claude's artistic life. 

Léon was a chemist specialized in colors, an industrialist from Rouen and an art collector. At the end of the 19th century, when Claude returned to Le Havre and painted “Impression, Soleil Levant”, Léon created the Industrial Society of Rouen and decided to actively support his brother and fellow Impressionist artists, which led to the formation of a remarkable collection of modern art.
The exhibition features about 100 works, including paintings and drawings by Monet, but also by other great artists such as Morisot, Sisley, Pissarro and Renoir. You will also be able to admire color books, fabric samples, Japanese prints, archival documents and numerous family photographs. 
The energetic portrait Claude Monet painted of his older brother in 1874, testifying to the deep affection that united the two brothers, is presented for the first time. This exhibition allows us to rediscover Léon Monet and his role in the biography of his brother Claude, showing their common interest in color and their strong attachment to the family.

Until the 16/07/2023. Open everyday from 10:30am to 7pm, late-night opening on Monday until 10pm. 

Photo ©Adora Goodenough -  Unsplash