Another must this autumn at the Vuitton Foundation

In addition to wrapping up the Arc de Triomphe (Christo and Jeanne-Claude), there is a new exhibition at the Vuitton Foundation this autumn. It's time for the second part of the Modern Art Icon cycle, successively dedicated to the major Muscovite collectors of modern French and Russian art.






We believe the Morozov brothers' (major textile industry family heirs) collection will be as popular with the public as the Chtchoukine collection was, due to similar volume and quality. Back in the 1890s, when they were just 20 years old, Mikhaïl and Ivan decided to build a collection putting major Russian modern artists' works alongside impressionists, such as Gauguin and Van Gogh, whose works they were the first to exhibit in Russia. Despite the early death of the highly charismatic Mikhaïl in 1903 at the age of 33, his brother Ivan pursued the collection project alone and later fully committed to creating an exemplary collection, illustrated by his last order to Maurice Denis for monumental decorations around the central stairway at his hotel in Moscow.




His dreams were quashed when the 1918 nationalization decrees came into force after the revolution and the collection went through various ups and downs before progressively becoming available to the public, in-line with the collectors' initial wishes. Today we can see around 200 works selected from the overall collection, encompassing some of the most famous late 19th /early 20^th century Russian and French artists.



Although Bonnard was discovered by both brothers, it was Ivan who later purchased several of Cézanne's works – have a good look at the handsome, yet sad pipe smoker, and some of Picasso's – the two acrobats in particular, as well as works by Matisse and several paintings of the Fauves. The latter shifts the focus away from Parisian life and onto scenes exalted by the use of bold colours. The Moroccan Triptych ordered from Matisse by the collector combines bright pink with turquoises and the deepest blues. And what about the stunning hall covering Gauguin's Tahiti period? – words simply do not do it justice! The pure, shimmering, solid colours find balance in weighted rhythm creating an impression of Eden-like peace and quiet. Knowing that many of the works have never been on show outside Russia before makes seeing this exhibition even more of a must!




After the tour, time to unwind – we suggest Le Frank, the foundation's on-site restaurant, or outside in the Auberge du Bonheur 's gardens within Boulougne woods – cosy settings to enjoy top-notch traditional French cuisine. And for the more adventurous, try out a quite different gastronomical experience in opulent second empire settings at Le Pré Catelan. Three-time Michelin Star Chef Frédéric Anton runs the kitchen and produces dishes which look as classic on the outside as they are creative on the inside. The superb cellar and impeccable service go hand-in-hand with the gorgeous surroundings!



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