Hunan Art Museum: Flowing in Time: Multiple Practices of European Painting in the Past Century

Flowing in Time: Multiple Practices of European Painting in the Past Century, a special exhibition celebrating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, opened at the Hunan Art Museum. The Hunan Art Museum specially launched this exhibition, presenting 88 pieces from the collection of the Musée Franciscain. From the Renaissance to the 19th century, European painting continued to move forward along the path of reproducing reality. Precise shapes, vivid colors, and changing light and shadow were gradually integrated into the painting space constructed by linear perspective, in order to reproduce the real world perceived by vision and mind. Over the centuries of evolution of painting concepts, techniques, and schools, the establishment of art academies has played a pivotal role. This exhibition features 88 works by 38 artists, many of whom benefited from the training of art academies. Their works cover a variety of subjects, including portraits, customs, and landscapes, as well as sketches and watercolors prepared for the creation of large religious and historical paintings. These works allow us to focus on the details, observe the painters' brushstrokes, and perceive their skills and ingenuity throughout the artistic creation process. At the same time, we can also see the profound imprint of the trends of the times in their works. The exhibition also introduces 19th-century Russian realist landscape and figure paintings, showcasing the diversity and inclusiveness of European painting.