Ches Panses Vertes is your go-to source for French art exhibits and related information. Our focus includes both exhibitions of French artists around the globe and current and future exhibits of fine art in Paris and across France. Learn more about what’s coming up when you depend on this useful site with the unlikely name.
A Long History Of Excellence
Art exhibitions in France date back centuries. The French government sponsored the first Salon in 1667. King Louis XIV created the event to show the works of the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture, held at the Salon d’Apollon, part of the Louvre Palace in Paris. The name Salon stuck, and events were held first sporadically and then yearly, eventually open to all French artists. While the Salon gradually lost influence to other groups and exhibits, these massive and influential shows are the origin of the modern French art exhibition.
Today, French artists are displayed around the world. From modern artists to masters of centuries ago, the exhibitions feature a range of works. But which are worth seeing? And which are worth traveling for? If you’re a fan of modern art, seek out artists from recent years whose works speak to you. If you prefer a certain style or type of work, seek it out as well.
If you aren’t certain which French art exhibitions are for you, seek out events featuring one or more of these masters:
Edgar Degas (1834-1917), who was known for paintings and sculptures. An Impressionist who later distanced himself from this form of expression, he was among the founders of the movement. He painted ballerinas most famously. His best-known work is The Absinthe Drinker (1876).
Eugene Delacroix (1798-1863), who did paintings and lithography. From the French Romantic era, he is often considered France’s greatest painter. Impressionists were inspired by his work, which includes his masterpiece, Liberty Leading the People (1830).
Paul Gauguin (1848-1903), a Post-Impressionist known for both paintings and sculptures. In 2015, one of his paintings sold for near $300 million, the most expensive piece of art ever sold, according to some sources. His masterpiece from 1898 has the unwieldy name Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?
Marcel Duchamp (1887-1968), a painter and sculptor, created very controversial works that weren’t well understood in his time. His Nude Descending a Staircase, No. 2 is considered a classic of the Modernist school. Known as a father of Conceptual art, his masterpiece is Fountain (1917).
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1864-1901), did illustrations, prints and paintings, many featuring the unique personalities and people of the French nightlife. He even elevated some forms of advertising to the level of high art. His masterpiece is considered to be Moulin Rouge: La Goulue (1891).
A List That’s Never Complete
Of course, you should always seek out exhibitions featuring works by sculptor Rodin as well as Renoir, Cezanne, Matisse and, of course, Monet. While no list of famous French artists is ever complete, neither is any list of resource related to displays of works by these artists.
Still, we offer our thanks to those who provide information and imagination to help make this site a useful resource. To these people, we are forever indebted. If you benefit from this information, you owe these anonymous voices a debt of gratitude as well. The goal of this site is to spread appreciation for and understanding of French art on display throughout the world. Whether you trek to Paris or see an exhibition in a major city near you, take every opportunity to see works by French artists. There is no better artwork in the world than that produced by French artists.