Maximilien Luce (French, 1858 - 1941)
Herblay, c. 1900
graphite, black crayon, and blue pastel
9 3/4 x 8 inches
The Louis Stern Galleries opens an exhibition of French works on paper spanning what is arguably one of the most innovative hundred years in western art history. There will be a reception at the gallery on the evening of July 18, from 6:30 to 8:30.
Few would deny that there is a special quality of intimacy inherent in works on paper. This, in part, results from the spontaneity allowed by media in which an artist feels free to take risks. These works act as keys to the creative process, affording us a better idea of an artist's train of thought than, for instance, a finished oil. A drawing most directly demonstrates an artist's personal calligraphy, his or her "autograph." A watercolor may be the quick expression of a complicated whole, suddenly given to the artist's imagination. Which is not to say that works on paper may not also be fully conceived works in their own right, the product of rigorous artistic labor.
The exhibition at Louis Stern Galleries will feature works by artists representative of the many important art movements during this productive period. Included in the exhibition will be mid-nineteenth century works by Thomas Couture, Pierre Puvis de Chavannes and Henri Harpignies. Also on view will be drawings and watercolors by Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists Pissarro, Caillebotte, Paul Signac, Maximilien Luce, Henri Lebasque, and Andre Derain. The exhibition will also incorporate works by ground breaking Modernists Picasso, Braque, Leger, Metzinger, and Raoul Dufy, as well as several splendid drawings by Matisse. Other artists to be exhibited are Balthus, Andre Lhote, Othon Friesz, Yves Brayer, and Maurice Brianchon.
Gallery Hours:
M-F. 10-6
Sat. 11-5