Impressionism, a historical reconstruction
2nd ‘impressionist’ exposition 1876
Overview used techniques
Which techniques were used in 1876?
Which techniques or media were used at the 2nd ‘impressionist’ exposition in 1876?
Most art-works exhibited were oil paintings. Probably 211, about 70,8% of the total amount of 298 art-works. Legros probably didn’t show oil paintings.
Notable were the many engravings exhibited by 3 partakers. Desboutin showed at least 12 engravings, all dry points. Probably all the 25 art-works of Legros were engravings, with the numbers 81-4 +82 +83-4 +85 +88-1 being dry points and no. 83-5 containing two lithographes. Lepic showed at least 7 and probably 11 etchings (nos 134-137). So in total there were probably 48 engravings exhibited, about 16,1% of the total amount of art-works.
The following 3 partakers exhibited aquarelles: Lepic in total 16 (nos. 124-133; note: no.124 contained 5 aquarelles; no.126+127 each two); Jean-Baptiste Millet showed at least 5 aquarelles (nos 138-141 +147); Morisot 3 (no.179-181). The technique of Léon Ottin his art-works was not indicated in the catalogue; still it is suggested that 10 works were aquarelles (no.195+196), but this is not affirmed in the reviews. So in total there were probably 24 aquarelles exhibited, about 8,1% of the total amount of art-works.
The following 3 partakers exhibited pastels: Degas 1x (no.42); Morisot showed 3 ‘dessins au pastel’ (no.182); Renoir 1 (no.226). So in total there were 5 pastels exhibited, about 1,7% of the total amount of art-works.
The following 4 partakers exhibited drawings: Cals 3x (no.33+34+35); Degas 1x (no.59); Jean-Baptiste Millet probably showed 2 (sépia) drawings (nos 145+146); Rouart showed 2 drawings, 1 with chinese ink (no.234) and 1 with sépia (no.235). So in total there were probably 8 drawings exhibited, about 2% of the total amount of art-works.
Probably Degas used for some of his oil paintings mixed techniques. for no.56 (not exhibited) he used thinned oil, probably also for no.54 and maybe also for no. 39 +40; I discern works made with thinned oil (essence), but I count them as oil paintings. A review indicated no.44 of Degas as a grisaille and no.55 maybe was a pastel over monotype, but because the identification is too uncertain, I will count them all as oil paintings. No.51 of Degas consisted of at least 2 art-works, probably it were drawings enhanced with thinned oil and pastel; I count them as mixed techniques. So in total there were probably 2 art-works exhibited made with mixed techniques, less than 1% of the total amount of art-works.
The ‘paneau decoratif’ of Monet (no.162) probably was a normal oil painting.
There is discussion if Degas showed a photograph outside the catalogue, but I assume he didn’t.
Here below you will find an overview.
You will see that 70,8% of the art-works were oil paintings (=oil). Many engravings (=engr) were shown (16,1%). Several aquarelles (=aqua) were shown (8,1%). Just 1,7% of the art-works exhibited were pastels (=p) and just 2,7% were drawings (=dr). Two art-works can be classified as mixed techniques (=mix).
8 partakers showed 19 or more art-works. Lepic showed far out the most (49) art-works, using various techniques. 11 partakers showed 12 or less art-works. In total there were 19 partakers showing 298 art-works.
See links for general info, the catalogue and a slideshow.
Explanation:
(obvious) high number.
(obvious) low number.
Recommanded citation: “Impressionism: Overview used techniques at the 2nd ‘impressionist’ exposition in 1876. Last modified 2026/03/30. https://www.impressionism.nl/2nd-impressionist-exposition-techniques/”