This is a review of the private view of “Bordeaux‐Port de la Lune‐” held on June 22. I believe the first thing come to mind when people think of Bordeaux is “wine.” It’s actually right, and I love it too! However, here in this exhibition are so many different artistic, cultural, and historical materials that reveal the true fascination of Bordeaux. Let me introduce what I saw in the private view.
One of the most impressive exhibits is “Lion Hunt” by Eugène Delacroix. In addition to the big size, the painting’s power is incredibly overwhelming. Although the upper half of the painting was lost by fire accident, the power remains intact and so strong that I could not even move for a while. It is also interesting to compare it with the copy painting by Odilon Redon exhibited beside it.
“Lion Hunt” by Eugène Delacroix
There are many paintings tell us the cityscape of Bordeaux of 18th and 19th centuries. For example, “The Port of Bordeaux, France, 1804” by Pierre Lacour I depicts the river, ships, and the city clearly in detail, telling the lives of people and the city’s atmosphere of the time.
Painting on the left：”The Port of Bordeaux, France, 1804″ by Pierre Lacour I
In addition, there are some other paintings of cityscape created by other artists noted in connection with Bordeaux, such as Alfred Smith.
Painting on the left：”Le Quai de la Grave à Bordeaux” by Alfred Smith
Another highlight is the historical paintings. “Phèdre et Hippolyte” by Pierre-Narcisse Guérin and “Le miracle de saint Just” by Peter Paul Rubens are especially impressive and incredibly narrative; the expression in each character in the paintings depicts different emotion and feeling such as anguish, surprise, skepticism, etc.
Painting on the right：”Phèdre et Hippolyte” by Pierre-Narcisse Guérin
There are many more great pieces of art, important historical materials, and artifacts definitely catch your eyes. This exhibition is such a great opportunity to discover the fascination and to learn the history of Bordeaux, a city of wine production, trading port, and sophisticated culture. I strongly recommend you to visit the exhibition when you have a chance to come to The National Museum of Western Art in Ueno.
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