He was rejected by the Official Salons, so he participated in the unofficial Salon of the Rejected in 1874.
He had a difficult early career. He was rejected by the Official Salons, so he participated in the unofficial Salon of the Rejected in 1874. The art critic Louis Leroy, upon seeing Monet’s painting, “ Impression, Sunrise” famously scoffed, “half-printed wallpaper has more finish than this; and since I’m so very ” impressed” there must be an impression in there somewhere!”  Ho ho. Thus, a single picture gave the name to the entire impressionist movement!