In the summer of 2013, masterpieces from the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, one of the best collections of Impressionist Art in the United States will be shown at the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art.
The exhibition will introduce 73 French paintings in 19th century, which are well-chosen from the collection formed by Mr. and Mrs. Clark’s refined taste and discerning eye.
The exhibition highlights the paintings by Renoir to whom Mr. and Mrs. Clark were deeply attached. It also includes several fine works by Impressionism painters such as Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro and Alfred Sisley, as well as 5 works by Barbizon painters Camille Corot and academic pictures by artists such as Jean-Léon Gérôme and paintings. No less than 59 works will be shown in Japan for the first time. After a large-scale renovation and expansion by the Japanese architect Tadao Ando and the New York-based Annabelles Selldorf in 2010, the museum curated a commemoratory exhibition that started a worldwide tour the following year. It will be first opportunity that the renowned Impressionist collection of the Clark will be on display in Japan as a group. We look forward to sharing this miraculous opportunity that this extraordinary collection will arrive in Kobe as part of an unprecedented world tour.
Sterling Clark was the leading collector who recognized high value of the works by Renoir and started to collect them from early period in America. Although there are other collectors who has Renoir works more than 30, the high quality of those in the Clarks suggests the certain critical eyes of the Sterling and Francine. Sterling really admired Renoir and noted, "What a great master !!!!," "As a colorist never equaled by anyone" in his diary.
The painters depicted the rural landscapes or farmers primitively. Although they finished the work at their ateliers according to the traditional way, began the work with the sketches drawing nature exactly which was made at outdoors. Their colors or touches depicting the natural light or movement are also a foretaste of the Impressionism.
The painters carried out the canvases and paints to outdoors, and depict the landscapes which they saw. They tried to depict the reflection of the light on the trees, waves and buildings by subdividing the colors and piling the touches.
Although the painters interact with the painters of the Barbizon School, Impressionism and Academism, pursued their own unique styles. They observed the daily life carefully.
They learned and polished the traditional method and techniques in the programs lead by the government. They paint with the stable composition realistically and natural colors.
Sat., June 8 to Sun., September 1, 2013
Organized by Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art, The Yomiuri Shimbun, MBS, the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute and The Japan Association of Art Museums
With the Support of Hyogo Prefecture, Hyogo Prefectural Board of Education, Kobe City, Kobe City Board of Education and Kiss FM KOBE
With the Sponsorship of Iwatani Corporation, KINDEN CORPORATION, Daiwa House Industry Co., Ltd., Daiwabo Information System Co., Ltd., Panasonic Corporation, Non-Destructive Inspection Co., Ltd., Lion corporation, SHIMIZU CORPORATION, Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd., and SOMPO JAPAN INSURANCE INC.
With the cooperation of JAPAN AIRLINES amd Hotel Okura Kobe