The Paris art dealer who became Claude Monet’s major supporter was Paul Durand-Ruel.
Durand-Ruel began buying works by the Impressionists in the 1870s, when many critics and collectors still viewed their style as unfinished or controversial. He purchased paintings directly, organized exhibitions, and promoted the artists internationally rather than relying only on traditional official exhibitions in France.
His support was especially important to Monet. Durand-Ruel bought large numbers of Monet’s paintings and helped introduce Impressionism to audiences in London, Brussels, and the United States. American collectors and museums eventually became important buyers of Monet’s work, helping establish his reputation and financial stability.
Durand-Ruel is sometimes confused with other influential dealers connected with modern French art, including Georges Petit and Ambroise Vollard. However, Durand-Ruel’s sustained advocacy for Monet and the wider Impressionist group made him the movement’s most important early dealer.