When Duncan Phillips bought Renoir's "Luncheon of the Boating Party" in 1923 and brought it home to America, he paid $125,000 for it. At the time, this was the largest amount of money paid for a Renoir, and the sale of this famous painting to an American museum caught the attention of the world press. The piece became the focal point of the museum's collection, and this year a dazzling collection of impressionist works have been brought together to pay homage to it.

Organized in honor of the museum's 75th anniversary, "Impressionists on the Seine," currently on display though mid February at the Phillips Collection, brings together 60 outstanding paintings all revolving around river scenes painted by the core members of the French impressionist art movement between 1860-1880. This is an impressive collection of some of the best known jewels of 43 museums around the world. Nonetheless it is interesting to note that most of these magnificent paintings would not get a second look by today's museum curators (much less art galleries), yet the public still packs the museums to visit and admire these masterpieces.

There are superior works by Monet, such as his 1874 "Boat at Argenteuil Regatta," which show brilliant handling of sunset light and an admirable economy of white in the sails of the boats. Monet created an astounding 175 Seine paintings between 1871-1878, so the attraction (and commercial appeal) of the river is obvious.

It is also to compare Renoir and Monet painting of the scene at "La Grenoillere." The paintings were created side by side, we have two views done at the same time by two great masters. Fascinating is the clear fact that Renoir's version has a huge mistake in the handling of the light underneath the pier (right side of the painting) where a difficult transition from light to shadow happens. The Monet version makes the transition successfully and by virtue of being close to the Renoir version, highlights the error in Renoir's piece!

This is one of the best Impressionist shows ever assembled, and helps to place in context a very important period in art history. Hurry! the show closes on Feb. 9!

The author is a regional art critic for several art magazines and local newspapers. He is also an award winning artist and the co-owner of one of Washington's top art galleries.