Germaine Richier, a major 20th century sculptor at the Pompidou Centre

Exhibitions | A day in Paris | Cultural events

A genuine tribute to women - with works on show in museums throughout the country this year! The Pompidou Centre decided to focus on the extraordinary and dazzling career of Germaine Richier who died in 1959 at the early age of 57. She was the first female artist to have work exhibited at the National Museum of Modern Art during her own lifetime (in 1956). She rapidly created a deeply original style far from the classic image of men and women. She initially trained at Antoine Bourdelle’s studio but dropped realism for a more amplified form of expressionism after staying in Switzerland during WWII. She produced two major bronze works, l’Orage (the storm) and l’Ouragane (the hurricane) at that time, which were highly acclaimed by critics as their rough and scared appearance, without any formal beauty, illustrated the anguish felt from the recent war.

The sculptor wanted to give the statues a more alive and changing appearance and her fascination for life led her to create human-animal hybrids. Germaine Richier’s art is steeped in pantheism and her organic forms combine human, plant and animal elements, such as Christ d’Assy (1951), which caused such controversy it had to be removed from the church until 1969! She introduced metal wires into her sculptures forming intersecting triangular extensions joining sections together and to the base. Towards the end of her life, she started incorporating other materials and colour, producing a series of 5 massive chess pieces which can be seen in the Jardin des Tuileries, proving just how important she was to 20th century creative Art

After the exhibition, we suggest heading over to Roof, perched on top of the old Louvre Post Office. Gorgeous views from this high-end rooftop restaurant include Saint-Eustache church, the Bourse du Commerce dome and a prize one of the bizarre pipes going around Pompidou Centre! What else – a huge patio, heaps of plants and excellent cocktails –On the Roof  (white Armagnac) was my personal favourite! 

  • hotel de la Place du Louvre de la collection Esprit de France

    From 190€

    The Louvre

    More information

    The Louvre

    Real Parisian charm, peace and quiet just in front of the Louvre Colonnade, in this characteristic old Parisian building, stonewalls and modern decor
    Book now
  • hotel opera paris hotel Mansart paris

    From 190€

    Place Vendôme - Opéra Garnier

    More information

    Place Vendôme - Opéra Garnier

    The 57 rooms of the 4-star hotel Mansart in Paris all preserved the charm of an old Parisian residence, designed with elegance and refinement.…
    Book now
  • hôtel la tamise de la collection Esprit de France

    From 200€

    Louvre - Saint Honoré

    More information

    Louvre - Saint Honoré

    Just a few minutes walk from the Louvre and the Tuileries Garden, Hôtel La Tamise’s atmosphere combines cocoon-like comfort with peace and quiet.…
    Book now