About —
This thematic exhibition features more than 60 portraits from the Musée’s collection. Both original in its conception and telling in its presentation, it surveys the different approaches to the genre and its development from the 17th century onward by emphasizing the expression of the eyes of the portrayed subjects. Portraiture is deeply rooted in Western culture, and countless are the artists who have practiced the genre throughout history.
A portrait may be painted, drawn, sculpted or photographed; it may be realistic or stylized or a pure invention; it may be a full-length likeness or a bust or a back view of its subject. But what is most interesting to see is how some artists have renewed the genre: Raymonde April, Nicolas Baier, Martin Boisseau, Fritz Brandtner, Geneviève Cadieux, Jean-Philippe Dallaire, Suzanne Duquet, Louise Gadbois, Lise Gervais, Clara Gutsche, Ernst Neumann, Lilias Torrance Newton and Auguste Rodin. The work of each one of these artists bears witness to a personal vision of their subject. Yet, by hanging these pieces in the salon manner, i.e. in rows that proceed from eye-level to the ceiling, the exhibition offers a particular definition of the genre.
Organized by the Musée d’art de Joliette, Beyond Sight is an occasion to discover many rarely exhibited works and an opportunity to have an unusual look at the Musée’s rich and varied collection and, in particular, at some remarkable portraits.
