Eighty-four masterpieces from the Musée d'Orsay, France's "temple of Impressionism," have arrived at the National Art Center, Tokyo in Roppongi, Tokyo. This year marks the 140th anniversary of the birth of Impressionism. This commemorative exhibition, "Musée d'Orsay: The Birth of Impressionism—Freedom of Painting," will showcase a rich selection of French paintings that continue to captivate art fans worldwide, focusing on the late 19th century when Impressionism was born. The exhibition features a stunning array of captivating masterpieces, including Édouard Manet's renowned "Boy with a Flute," Alexandre Cabanel's "The Birth of Venus," William Buccleuch's "Dante and Virgil," and Léon Bonnat's "Madame Pasqua." Among these, Claude Monet's masterpiece, "Luncheon on the Grass," making its Japanese debut, is a must-see. This work, which rarely left France, depicts a modern theme of people relaxing outdoors. The sunbeams filtering through the trees onto the women's dresses and the delicate foliage are depicted with free-flowing brushstrokes, fully immersing visitors in the style of Monet, known as the "painter of light." Also making its Japan debut is Édouard Manet's "Reading," a meticulous work showcasing the same white color meticulously rendered in different materials: the muslin dress, sheer sleeves, and the thick fabric covering the sofa. Actor Masahiro Higashide, who serves as the exhibition's navigator, appeared at the July 8th press preview. Regarding "The Flight from Rochefort," painted by Manet in his final years, he commented, "Learning about Manet's struggles—desire to paint more, but the reality that illness forced him to give up hope for the future—I found myself moved to tears when I stood before the painting." "Come, see, and be moved. I believe art can nourish our lives," he said with a smile.
Related events will be held during the exhibition period until October 20th, including a lecture by Guy Cogeval, chairman of the Musée d'Orsay.
[Event Information]
Musée d'Orsay Exhibition: The Birth of Impressionism - The Freedom of Painting-
Venue: The National Art Center, Tokyo, Special Exhibition Room 2E
Address: 7-22-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Period: July 9th to October 20th
Closed: Tuesdays
Admission Fee: Adults 1,600 yen, University students 1,200 yen, High school students 800 yen, Free for junior high school students and younger
