This was a superb exhibition of 19th century French art in all its diversity.
Well labelled and hung to contrast the different 19th century interpretations of similar subjects: war, genre, portraits and finally landscape. Thought provoking.
It is impossible to pick favourites so many of them are so attractive, regardless of which title they hold, or how influential they were then or are now.
I have never seen Meissonier’s original works before. Corot, Ingres, Degas, Boudin, Renoir, Monet Manet to name but a few of the 60 odd artists represented. It is fascinating to see the impressionists brush strokes. Illustrations can never compare. I think I’ll have to go a third time.
Many pictures have never been seen here, normally hanging as far afield as America, Paris, even Scotland.
Some 8 BRA members and friends joined us on Wednesday, 10 January – some had seen the exhibition before and were keen to see it again, some joined the public German speaking tour, others went on their own with the audio-guides.
Then we enjoyed a glass of wine or a cup of tea in the Kunsthaus restaurant while talking things over.
Let’s hope Zürich puts on such an enjoyable exhibition again soon.
Diana Divo