Seven Days: Vermont's Independent Voice

'Once Upon a Time... Impressionism: Great French Paintings From the Clark'

Robert Sterling Clark, founder of the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, Mass., built his art collection in such secrecy that he was nicknamed “Mr. Anonymous.” But the secret’s out now. His collection of impressionist works is considered one of the top three of its kind in North America, and it’s visiting the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts through January 20. Expect works by all the French masters: Degas, Gauguin, Manet, Monet, Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec and others. Writes MMFA director and chief curator Nathalie Bondil, “More than a style of painting, [impressionism] crystallized the aspirations of an era of profound changes in society.” Pictured: “Danseuses au foyer” by Edgar Degas.