I'm delighted to be reunited with Leisa Paoli, Director of the Musée d'Art Classique de Mougins. A new exhibition will be held from March 23, 2019 to July 14, 2019 dedicated to " Raoul DUFY draws the South".
This "small" museum is located at the entrance to the old village of MOUGINS. Between two of chef Denis FETISSON's famous gourmet restaurants, " l'Amandier" and "La Place de Mougins the museum was founded in 2011 by Christian LEVETT.
The exhibition space is spread over 3 levels. And the monthly lectures take place in the crypt in the basement. The atmosphere of these lectures is almost religious, as we are surrounded by sarcophagi and various objects from Carter's Egyptian discoveries.
The MACM's reputation among major art institutions and the general public continues to grow. And rightly so, if visitor ratings on social networks such as Tripadvisor are anything to go by.
This unique concept combines objects of Egyptian, Greek and Roman origin. All the major periods are represented. Artistic themes are repeated from Antiquity to the present day. Only the artists' interpretations change.
We are immersed in a long period of art history. The objects chosen by the founder help to put into perspective how ancient art continues to influence our times.
The museum, which resembles a contemporary cabinet of curiosities, offers a vast panorama covering 2,500 years of art history.
In particular, a collection of ancient coins, which can be admired on the same plane with a sliding magnifying glass, brings to life the faces of all the Roman emperors with astonishing precision.
Next to the largest collection of Greek armor and helmets in the world, the works of WHAROL or HIRST bring us back to our time in a dizzying historical leap.
What is a "philanthropist" today? "love of humanity and selflessness" answers google!
A British collector and investment manager with a passion for history and art, the museum's founder negotiated to exhibit his private collection in the heart of the village of MOUGINS.
A major artist of the first half of the 20th century, Raoul Dufy joined his friend Othon Friez in 1900 at the Beaux Beaux Arts in Paris. Impressionist and Fauvist artists influenced his work, "made of poetry and joy",
Fanny Guillon-Laffaille, curator of the exhibition, said in an article published in ART in 2003: "What makes the price of a watercolor by Dufy, is the liveliness of colors.
In addition to drawing and painting, he never ceases to explore other fields. Ceramics, fabrics, engraving, decoration and music never cease to interest him. These works are regularly exhibited in major French institutions, most recently at the Musée Cocteau in MENTON under the title "Les couleurs du bonheur" ("The colors of happiness").
According to the Artprice website, his value remains stable. What's more, its reputation is growing internationally. With over 10,500 public sales, collectors can rely on solid sources of information. In 1952, he won the Grand Prix International de peinture at the 26th Venice Biennale.
According to the website, several watercolors are sold at public auction. At SOTHEBY'S and CHRISTIES , hammer prices sometimes exceed €350,000.
For me, it's an opportunity to reconnect with the spirit of the painters who freed themselves from the formats imposed by the Académie and the Salons. Every month, we meet up with the Friends of the Museum for a friendly drink.
Join us at the next Riviera Fine-art event listed on the home page or read the previous article on the Nahmad Collection .
