Chardin - La nature silencieuse - Découvertes Gallimard (n° 377)

WRITTEN IN FRENCH

In 1765, Diderot thus greeted Chardin, who had been leading a unique career for nearly forty years, "You are back, great magician, with your silent compositions". Little is known about this great master of still life painting, celebrated by his contemporaries and sought after by the...

WRITTEN IN FRENCH

In 1765, Diderot thus greeted Chardin, who had been leading a unique career for nearly forty years, "You are back, great magician, with your silent compositions". Little is known about this great master of still life painting, celebrated by his contemporaries and sought after by the princes of Europe: an entire life spent in Paris, devoted to painting, "in the talent of fruits and animals".

Throughout his life, Chardin respected the choice of a genre considered minor in the 18th century. He worked slowly, painting small formats, where, in a closed universe, he represented simple kitchen utensils, serene images of daily life, wise children playing, mothers attentive to their daily work. Underneath their apparent simplicity, all are masterpieces.

The authors take us to the heart of the skilfully constructed and deeply meditated art of one of the greatest French painters.

French language
128 pages

Gallimard / Rmn - Grand Palais
Découvertes Gallimard. Arts, n° 377