Four years ago, during the pandemic lockdowns, an exceptional group of French impressionists travelled to Australia – but barely got out of their crates. Nowhere in the world have artists such as Monet, Renoir, Degas and Cezanne had such a dismal reception, although the National Gallery of Victoria was more than willing to roll out the red carpet.
Next month, in what must be a first for local museums, the NGV will restage the show that misfired four years ago. The impressionists are once again leaving their home in Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), and taking the voyage to Melbourne, for this year’s Winter Masterpieces exhibition. The return season is an extraordinary act of good will on behalf of the Boston museum, where many of these works are normally on permanent display. And it’s a testament to the depth of Boston’s holdings that they can fill the gaps with similar pieces.
