In the hall of art, the brilliance of two Impressionist masters has never dimmed. In 2025, the Hong Kong Museum of Art will host an eagerly anticipated event—a grand exhibition dedicated to the French Impressionist maestros, Paul Cézanne and Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
The two are not only key figures of the French Impressionist movement but also shared a profound friendship born out of mutual admiration. This exhibition will not only showcase their iconic works but also take the audience on a journey to delve deeper into how these two artists redefined our perception of the world through their use of color and brushstrokes. Through their eyes, we are invited to rediscover the beauty in everyday life and experience an indescribable emotional resonance. Join us on this artistic journey and witness the magic of Impressionism come alive once again on the vibrant grounds of Hong Kong!
Paul Cézanne
Paul Cézanne is a renowned French painter, whose style bridges the gap between Impressionism and Cubism. In his later years, he was highly revered by many artists passionate about modern art and was honored with the title “Father of Modern Painting.”
He believed that all objects in nature could be reduced to three structures: cylinder, sphere, and cone. “Lines do not exist, nor do light and shadow—only contrasts between colors exist. The volume of an object is expressed through the precise interplay of tonal relationships.” This not only conveyed a solid geometric sense but also profoundly influenced and revolutionized 20th-century modern art. His works transitioned from the pursuit of realistically depicting nature to expressing the self, laying the groundwork for the artistic shift of the 20th century. His impact was especially significant on Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso.
“Painting does not mean blindly copying reality; it means seeking harmony among various relationships.”—— Paul Cézanne
Pierre-Auguste Renoir
Pierre-Auguste Renoir is a renowned French painter and one of the leading figures in the history of Impressionism.
The artistic style inherits the tradition of Peter Paul Rubens and Jean-Antoine Watteau, excelling in portraiture, with a particular renown for depicting the female form. He believed that painting was not about a scientific analysis of light or the meticulous arrangement of composition, but rather about bringing a sense of joy to the viewer.
Reflecting on their creative journey, both have been dedicated to portraying the ever-changing modern world through innovative visuals and techniques. They brought a fresh perspective to the art scene of their time and even influenced a new generation of painters, including the Spanish master Picasso.
This exhibition, jointly curated by the Hong Kong Museum of Art, Musée de l’Orangerie, and Musée d’Orsay, showcases 52 treasured paintings from the collections of Musée de l’Orangerie and Musée d’Orsay. Highlights include rare masterpieces such as *Three Bathers* and *Nude in a Landscape*. Marking a first for Hong Kong, this large-scale exhibition is dedicated to two Impressionist masters, offering not only an exploration of their distinctive artistic styles but also a heartfelt narrative of the deep friendship shared between these two close companions.
“The World of Cézanne and Renoir – Masterpieces from the Musée de l’Orangerie and Musée d’Orsay”
Date: January 17, 2025 – May 7, 2025
Time: 10 AM – 10 PM
Venue: Thematic Gallery, 2/F, Hong Kong Museum of Art
(Some artworks in this exhibition contain nudity; it is recommended that visitors under 18 be accompanied by an adult.)
