During his lifetime, Paul DURAND-RUEL (31 October 1831 – 5 February 1922) profoundly altered the traditional role of the art dealer with his unwavering and absolute dedication to his artists, both financially and morally. A determined and ambitious entrepreneur, Paul Durand- Ruel became a precursor on the international art market, establishing a network of galleries in Paris, London, Brussels and New York and organising numerous international exhibitions. Completely convinced by the talent of the artists he promoted and confident in his role as the defender of their art, Paul Durand-Ruel was able to secure a legacy for the Barbizon school and, above all, the Impressionists.

The Durand-Ruel Archives encompass a comprehensive group of documents on the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists, most particularly invoices, exhibition and sale catalogues, stock books and deposit information relating to the pictures, pastels and drawings which passed through the gallery. Furthermore, the Durand-Ruel photographic archives include 23,000 photographs (in black and white) of works of art, artists and the Durand-Ruel family.

Unfortunately, we are not open to the public, but we strive to answer all written requests for information and provide assistance for the projects presented to us.

We charge a fee for all research and do not provide any certificates of authenticity.