Louvre bids to keep a Chardin bought by U.S. museum in France

The First Art Newspaper on the Net    Established in 1996 Thursday, March 28, 2024


Louvre bids to keep a Chardin bought by U.S. museum in France
Jean Siméon Chardin’s “Basket of Wild Strawberries,” painted in 1761. Photo: Artcurial.

by Laura Zornosa



NEW YORK, NY.- On a computer screen, the still life “Basket of Wild Strawberries” by 18th-century French painter Jean Siméon Chardin is quiet and unassuming.

His talent in capturing the reflection of light off the rim of a water glass is muted in that setting. In person, though, it casts a spell.

“It’s deceptively simple, and it’s absolutely captivating and it’s magical,” said Eric Lee, director of the Kimbell Art Museum, which bought the work at auction in France in March for more than $22 million. “The painting completely mesmerized me, and it mesmerizes almost anyone who sees it.”

But now the Kimbell, whose successful bid for the work was first reported by the Art Newspaper of France, has to wait to see whether it can actually export the picture, which it purchased at the auction house Artcurial in Paris.

The Louvre has requested that the artwork be classified as “a national treasure” and is looking for sponsorship to purchase it. Under French law, the export can be frozen for 30 months, or 2 1/2 years.

“We are fully mobilized to bring it into the national collection,” Laurence des Cars, president and director of the Louvre, told Le Figaro in March.

The Louvre reportedly has 41 works in its collection by Chardin, who often portrays fruits like plums, melons and peaches in his still lives. This work, painted in 1761, is the only one to focus on strawberries.

“Basket of Wild Strawberries” was rediscovered a century later, then resurfaced again in 20th-century retrospectives in Paris. The Artcurial description characterizes it as “one of the most famous and emblematic images of the French 18th century.”

“I agree that the painting is a national treasure of France,” Lee said. “But I also believe that it is a world treasure and could serve as an ambassador of French culture.”

Most recently, Lee saw the work in February, when it was sent from a private collection to New York's Adam Williams Fine Art gallery on the Upper East Side. The Kimbell, which is in Fort Worth, Texas, was aware that it may not be able to obtain an export license, but museum leaders thought the painting would be worth the risk — and the wait, Lee said.

“It is a world treasure and it should be seen before the public,” Lee said. “It should not be hidden away in a private collection. And so it’s absolutely critical that a painting like this be made available to the public.”

The Kimbell Art Museum building, opened in 1972, was designed by Louis I. Kahn, widely considered “America’s foremost living architect” at the time of his death in 1974. Kahn played with natural light in the Fort Worth building, suffused with skylights, reflectors and cycloid barrel vaults.

“Envisioning this painting hanging in our galleries, I don’t think anything could be more beautiful,” Lee said. “The qualities of the painting — that intimacy, serenity and timelessness — those are qualities also seen in the architecture of Louis Kahn.”

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.










Today's News

May 5, 2022

Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival announces full program

Louvre bids to keep a Chardin bought by U.S. museum in France

Lark Mason Associates Sale of Fine Jewelry from New York Estates opens for bidding on iGavelAuctions.com

Saving Ukrainian art, and helping artists, one NFT at a time

A crumbling Russian 'spyville' returns to Polish hands

New York City eliminates the rules that govern art and other auctions

Christie's announces The Ann & Gordon Getty Collection │ Sales at Christie's New York beginning October 2022

Reviving the Renaissance temples of Venice's Jewish Ghetto

Masters of fine art over the centuries lead Bonhams May sales in New York

Sotheby's presents $1 billion of Modern and Contemporary art for New York sales this May

Maradona's "The Hand of God" football shirt sells for record $9.3 million

Christie's presents 'The Light of Africa Diamond'

He wrapped landmarks in fabric. Years later, his art turned up in a dumpster.

'For Colored Girls' to close on Broadway, reflecting tough season

A dancer's farewell, not as choreographed

Young Japanese Pop artists gather at Bonhams May Contemporary Art Sale

Modern lovers: Picassomania at Bonhams London

Dolly Parton voted into Rock Hall alongside Eminem and Lionel Richie

Inside the Met Gala after-parties

'Wish You Were Here' review: The saga of female friendship

Carnegie Hall will host concert in support of Ukraine

A sister and brother choose repertoire by feeling and listening

Irving Rosenthal, low-profile force on the Beat scene, dies at 91

Christie's to offer twelve jewels by JAR from the Estate of Ann Getty

HOW DO BEGINNERS TRADE IN FOREX

Should museums Buy Instagram Followers in the UK?

Advice from Experts, Why Choose a Low Wagering Casino

Don't miss out on these items from women's sports clothing collection of Decathlon

How to Start Your Career in Illustration?

Playing Fair at Online Casinos

7 Useful Tips for Outdoor Renovation




Museums, Exhibits, Artists, Milestones, Digital Art, Architecture, Photography,
Photographers, Special Photos, Special Reports, Featured Stories, Auctions, Art Fairs,
Anecdotes, Art Quiz, Education, Mythology, 3D Images, Last Week, .

 



Founder:
Ignacio Villarreal
(1941 - 2019)
Editor & Publisher: Jose Villarreal
Art Director: Juan José Sepúlveda Ramírez

Royalville Communications, Inc
produces:

ignaciovillarreal.org juncodelavega.com facundocabral-elfinal.org
Founder's Site. Hommage
to a Mexican poet.
Hommage
       

The First Art Newspaper on the Net. The Best Versions Of Ave Maria Song Junco de la Vega Site Ignacio Villarreal Site
Tell a Friend
Dear User, please complete the form below in order to recommend the Artdaily newsletter to someone you know.
Please complete all fields marked *.
Sending Mail
Sending Successful