Exposition at Musée Cantini - October 6 through January 3, 2010

The De la Scène au Tableau exibition at Museum Cantini is well worth the crowds, probably going during the week would be a better option. Many of you must have seen the John Singer Sargent posters around town with Lady Macbeth. I being more intrigued by the superstar list of painters such as Klimt, Degas and Marseille's hometown hero Daumier decided to check it out this past Sunday.

The show is set up in 4 actes: Neoclassicism, Romanticism, Symbolism, and the last being Realism and Impressionism. The well structured collection depicts historical characters set in theatrical roles.

The complementary lighting of the primarily oil painted collection ehances its already ethereal subject matter. The glare off of the individual art information plaque can be annoying for those of us who are note-takers, but on the other hand, makes you focus on the merits of the stand-alone work. 

Especially appealing for the anglophiles on the 2nd floor, is the many pieces depicting Shakespearian plays, many tales easily recognizable at a glance. For those looking for some Halloween spirit, the numerous witches, fairies and devils abound throughout this collection and was especially inspiring for my young companion. She loved the Tatiana and Bottom by Henry Fuseli which depicted rabbits ridden by fairies.

De la Scène au Tableau runs throughout January 3rd 2010. Musée Cantini is well worth a visit throughout the year though, since it houses one of the best public collections of art from the period of 1900-1960, the permanent collection returning after special exibitions. The elegant 17th century townhouse was donated in 1916 by Jules Cantini, a sculptor/mason/art patron, who is also well-known for giving Castellane its fountain in 1911. Provided below are some links to both the museum and the exibition in French, the latter has a virtual tour.

Musée Cantini - Exposition De la Scène au Tableau