Following the exhibition 'Treasures in Black and White: Dürer, Rembrandt, Goya, Toulouse-Lautrec' in 2023-2024, the Petit Palais explores a new strong theme from its collections: the artist's portrait and self-portrait.
By presenting a wide selection of works from the 19th century blending paintings, sculptures, graphic arts, photographs, and decorative arts, the museum offers a fresh perspective on some of its most famous masterpieces and invites the public to rediscover rarely displayed works. The exhibition questions the function of the artist's portrait, an exercise in admiration and friendship, reflecting artistic lineage or, conversely, ironic criticism. 'Studio portraits,' fascinating staged scenes of carefully arranged interiors, present the crucible of creation and embody a space for new social interactions. The exhibition also provides an opportunity to read between the lines the history of the museum's collections, built with the fervent support of artists and their families who generously donated numerous likenesses of their loved ones. In contrast, the Petit Palais presents about ten female artists currently working in Paris, who question the genre of portraiture, balancing tradition and modernity. In dialogue with the collections, their works either echo or distinguish themselves through their uniqueness. From different generations, these women have contributed to reshaping the imagination associated with the artist's portrait by drawing on the otherness of their experiences. Both a quest for self and an aesthetic manifesto, their portraits allow for a new affirmation of the artist: 'I am my work.' Painting, sculpture, photography—the artist's portrait sheds light on contemporary issues surrounding gender identity and feminist struggles.
Price: From 0 to 14 euros.
Source: paris.fr — photo: CCØ Paris Musées / Petit Palais