The National Gallery overlooks the fountain in Trafalgar Square.

The National Gallery overlooks the fountain in Trafalgar Square

• The Impressionists were a group of 19th-century artists whose revolutionary techniques had a profound effect on the way we look at art.

• They were responsible for creating some of the world's most famous paintings, many of which are now in the National Gallery.

Claude Monet, The Water Lily Pond, 1899.

Claude Monet, Water-Lilies, after 1916.

Bathers at La Grenouillère MONET, Claude-Oscar 1869

The Skiff RENOIR, Pierre-Auguste 1875

At the Theatre (1876-7) RENOIR, Pierre-Auguste

Modern city entertainments such as cabaret, the theatre and the circus were popular themes among the Impressionist painters.

This picture focuses on the young girl who leans forward in her seat to gain a better view of the performance.

Seurat, Bathers at Asnières, 1884

Van Gogh, Sunflowers, 1888

A Symbol of Happiness

The 'Sunflowers' is one of the most popular paintings in the National Gallery, and the most often reproduced on cards, posters, mugs, tea-towels and stationery. It was also the picture that Van Gogh was most proud of.

Degas, Beach Scene, probably 1868-77

DEGAS Ballet Dancers about 1890-1900

Camille Pissarro , Fox Hill, Upper Norwood, 1870

PISSARRO, Camille The Boulevard Montmartre at Night 1897

CEZANNE, Paul 1894-1905 Bathers

Self Portrait (1880-1) CEZANNE, Paul