'Picasso and Masters' exhibition, Paris
Sunday, 21, Sep 2008 04:20
Art fans are in for a treat this autumn with the opening of a new Pablo Picasso exhibition in Paris.
Already being called the event of the season, an 'unprecedented' 200 works by the Spanish master, as well as works by a number of painters who inspired him, will be on display simultaneously in the Grand Palais, the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay.
The body of the tableaux, however, will be hosted at the National Galleries of the Grand Palais, with works gathered from public and private collections around the world.
The aim of the show is to examine Picasso's claim to be heir to masters such as Rembrandt, Velasquez, Cézanne and Matisse - placing his work in its historical, critical and artistic context.
As such the exhibition provides an opportunity for visitors to Paris to find out more about this virtuoso Spanish painter - a co-founder of the Cubist Movement who created modern art by shattering the traditional rules of Western painting.
It is an exhibition which acts as a review of art history through the constancy of themes and subjects.
For example, over at the Musée d'Orsay will hang works juxtaposing Manet's original Déjeuner sur l'herbe with Picasso's increasingly abstract interpretations of the original canvas.
Furthermore, the Louvre will hang Delacroix's Women of Algiers side by side with the complete set of the cubist master's reworkings for the duration of the show.
As if these unique exhibitions were not enough, Paris is also home to a host of other world-class attractions - including the Pont des Arts, Jardins des Tuileries, Place de la Concorde Arc de Triomphe and of course the Eiffel Tower.
Where to stay
To celebrate the opening of the leading event of the artistic season Concorde Hotels & Resorts is offering a new package to visitors.
Starting at ?230 (£181) per couple, guests receive 'no queue' tickets to the display, where they will discover over 200 of the Cubist master's, along with be accommodation in the in the heart of the City of Lights.
Breakfast 'a deux' will also be lavished on guests, who will also have an opportunity to take home a collectable gift.
All Parisian Concorde Hotels will be offering the package, including the art deco Hotel Lutetia situated in the heart of the arty and eclectic left bank.
The Hotel du Louvre, the Hotel Ambassador, Hotel Concorde La Fayette, Hotel Concorde Saint-Lazare and Hotel Concorde Montparnasse will also be welcoming art enthusiasts and inquiring minds.
Guests can reach Paris with the Eurostar, and a number of airlines - with Air France and British Airways among them.
The exhibition runs from October 8th and February 2nd 2008.
Chris O'Toole