Artistic glory – ‘Le Baroque des Lumières’ exhibition, Petit Palais, Paris

‘Art is in the air’ is relatively true, especially entering the month of March, major art events such as Art Central and Art Basel Asia are getting ready to open their doors, welcoming all passionate art connoisseurs and enthusiasts, while we are all excited about this tide of art to come, in Paris, the art activities have never been stop, yet, especially this month, something even spectacular that one can homage to the 18th century glory just in the heart of the city, the ‘Le Baroque des Lumières’ (Enlightenment Baroque) exhibition in Petit Palais, which will be held from 21st March until 16th July 2017, is an exhibition that take one back to the glorious ancient art of the 18th century religious paintings which created for the churches of Paris.

As an extension at the Musée Carnavalet (Paris) in 2012, this exhibition will showcase some 200 spectacular artwork that represents the significance and diversity of artistic output in Paris from the Regency to the French Revolution, from heirs to the age of Louis XIV as Largillière, and the best of Neo-Classicism, from Vien to David, produced in partnership with COARC (Conservation of Religious and Secular works of Art for the City of Paris).

These magnificent and rare artwork expresses the sophistication of the fête galante of the 18th century French painting, and, the portrait than the elaboratness of great religious art, it was in the churches of Paris that art lovers could view contemporary painting, and so the city’s artists gave of their best there. The exhibition itinerary highlights numerous masterpieces, often very large, that have benefited from unprecedentedly thorough renovation. In addition to the pictures still to be seen in churches today, this exhibition also brings together works which since the revolution have been scattered, such as from the Louvre, the Château de Versailles, even nearby cathedrals such as Saint Denis or further away from Lyon.

Divided into eight sections, each shows the splendor and glorious style of this magnificent art era, the colourful grace of François Lemoine, Jean-François de Troy and Noël Hallé, the unadorned Neo-Classicism of Drouais, and David, whose large portrait of Christ closes the exhibition.

For those who appreciates the bygone glory and the art of the Age of Enlightenment, now you know a great place to visit.

Image courtesy of Petit Palais, Paris

http://www.petitpalais.paris.fr/expositions/le-baroque-des-lumieres