This week, I exceptionally asked Celestine Bohlen, New York Times foreign correspondent and columnist, specialized in Russia, to write a portrait of this amazing Russian collector. And this is what she generously shared with us: “At the end of the 19th century, Sergei Shchukin, heir to a Russian textile fortune, began to collect French art, hesitantly at first and later … Read More
Bouchardon, a long forgotten sculptor, at the Louvre
You probably never knew (and nor did I) that Edme Bouchardon (1698-1762), was the author of Louis XV th statue on place de la Concorde (torn down at the Revolution and later replaced by the obélisque) and of the Fontaine de Grenelle, which was commissioned to celebrate the arrival of water in the Faubourg Saint Germain in 1739. It still … Read More
350 birds painted on china at Musée Camondo
Ornithology became a science during Louis XVI’s reign and Buffon’s “Histoire Naturelle” is one of the leading scientific tools when you come to study birds. An extraordinary exhibition is taking place at Comte Moïse de Camondo’s house, in parc Monceau with 350 pieces of china, patiently collected in 1898, exhibited together with painted etchings by François-Nicolas Martinet, Henry-François Vincent and … Read More
The artwork of the week
I was sent this picture from Boston and was so struck by its dramatic beauty that I had to share it with you. At a time when Eritreans and Libyans are dying in masses near Sicily, this work of art reminds us all of the Middle East trauma. Made of polyurethane, the 22 swimmers represent the 21 million refugees in … Read More
A crazy week in Paris
How do you make an 18 th century building look like a contemporary one ? Ask Daniel Buren to disguise it with light and this is how Aveline, the antique store created by Jean-Marie Rossi, place Beauvau next to the Ministry of Interior, has become one of the most attractive sights at night in Paris (until Dec. 1). Something to … Read More
Viva Mexico, at Grand Palais
I went to Mexico for the first time at 40 and went five times the following three years such was my passion for this country which combines, music, sun, food, tequila, architecture and art. Anything about Mexico fascinates me and I thus rushed to the Grand Palais to discover the long awaited exhibition of art dedicated to 1900-1950 in Mexico, … Read More
Prize for Intelligence of the hand
The Bettencourt Schueller foundation gives many prizes every year but the one I prefer to attend, is the Prix de l’Intelligence de la Main, literally, the Prize for intelligence of the hand. It is devoted to craftsmanship and to lost techniques. From specific jewelers to wood carvers and glass blowers, every winner is the most excellent in his art.
Bernard Buffet, revealed
For most of his life in France, Bernard Buffet was an artist so popular and financially successful that art critics never respected him. He had a museum in Surugadaira in Japan as early as 1973, was collected and exhibited all around the world, but not in France! He has to be the most immediately recognizable artist, for his linear paintings … Read More