This summer’s grand event is dedicated to two titans of French arts whose close friendship put its mark on 20th century painting

The 60th anniversary of the Fondation Maeght this year is more than a milestone – it is a testament to the enduring power of friendship and art. The 2024 summer exhibition “Amitiés, Bonnard-Matisse” stands as a beacon of this legacy. For those seeking a deeper understanding of two of the greatest French painters of the 20th century, this exhibition offers an unparalleled cultural journey. Until October 6th, visitors have the rare opportunity to delve into the profound friendship and artistic dialogue between these two masters, a relationship that significantly influenced the landscape of modern art.

Contemporaries separated only by a two-year age gap, Pierre Bonnard and Henri Matisse were among those artists who had made the French Riviera their home, and it was here that they met and soon became close friends with great respect and admiration for each other. They also befriended the Maeght family well before the creation of the Foundation that bears its name. “Amitiés, Bonnard-Matisse” offers a unique lens into the personal and professional lives of these two artists and shows how their paths intertwined with the Maeght family.

Exploring Artistic Parallels and Divergences

The exhibition is structured around several thematic sections, each illustrating different facets of Bonnard and Matisse’s work and their personal rapport. Visitors encounter a plethora of rare works and documents, some on loan for this special occasion. These pieces not only highlight the distinctive characteristics of each artist but also reveal their shared fascination with subjects like self-portraits, the vibrancy of the streets, the Mediterranean light, and the dynamic between painter and model.

One section is dedicated solely to Matisse’s exploration of dance and portraiture, emphasizing his fluid, expressive lines. Another focuses on Bonnard’s intimate connection with landscapes, his canvases teeming with the nuanced play of light and colour. Through these contrasting yet complementary approaches, the exhibition narrates a story of mutual inspiration and artistic dialogue.

Courtesy Fondation Maeght

A Glimpse into the Past: The Maeght Family’s Artistic Ties

The Maeght family’s deep connections with Bonnard and Matisse are woven throughout the exhibition. Aimé Maeght’s friendships with these artists began during World War II and were not just professional – they were deeply personal. This bond is poignantly illustrated in the first room, which explores the triangular relationships between the Maeghts, Bonnard, and Matisse. The narrative is enriched by anecdotes and personal artifacts, providing an intimate glimpse into their world.

New Spaces for Art

In conjunction with the anniversary exhibition, the Fondation Maeght unveils four new exhibition spaces, designed by architect Silvio d’Ascia. These additions blend seamlessly with the original structure by Josep Lluís Sert, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valley. This expansion allows the foundation to host simultaneous temporary and permanent exhibitions, enhancing its role as a dynamic cultural hub.

Grande salle © Glamodrama pour Silvio d’Ascia Architecture

A Month of Celebrations

To mark its 60th year, the Fondation Maeght is not only presenting yet another stellar exhibition but also hosting a month-long series of events  running up to July 28th, the date of its original inauguration, and well beyond. These festivities include concerts, dance performances, readings, and workshops, echoing the foundation’s tradition of celebrating the arts in all its forms. The activities around the anniversary and the exquisite exhibition continues to be a living testament to the vision of Marguerite and Aimé Maeght, honoring the timeless connection between artists and their patrons and ensuring that the spirit of the Maeghts’ vision continues to resonate with new generations of art lovers.

The foundation’s opening in 1964 was graced by a memorable concert featuring Ella Fitzgerald and Yves Montand, setting a high bar for cultural events. The 2024 celebrations aim to recapture that magic, offering a rich tapestry of artistic experiences that honor the past while looking to the future.

Pierre Bonnard – L’Été, 1917

Henri Matisse – Figure assise et le Torse Grec (La gandoura), 1939

Reflecting on Six Decades of Artistic Impact

La Fondation Maeght was opened on July 26, 1964 by Aimé and Marguerite Maeght, a visionary couple of publishers and art dealers. Inspired by their deep connections with artists and their desire to create a space where art could thrive in harmony with nature, it was France’s very first private art institution and was modelled on American institutions such as the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, the Barnes Collection and the Phillips Collection, which the couple visited during their frequent trips to the US in the 1950s. Since then, Fondation Maeght has been a sanctuary for modern and contemporary art and has become France’s most important art foundation and is among the world’s leading cultural institutions.

Among the creatives the couple represented and were friends with, were some of the most important artists of the era, including George Braque, Miró, Giacometti, Alexander Calder, Fernand Léger, Marc Chagall, and many others.

Over the decades, the foundation has hosted more than 150 landmark exhibition securing its place in history for legendary art patronage. But it has never rested on its laurels. As Adrien Maeght, the son of the founders, poignantly notes, “At 60 years, the Foundation has never been so young. It is part of art history. Its collections continue to be enriched by new donations.” This sentiment captures the enduring vitality of the Fondation Maeght, a place where art and life intertwine in perpetual dialogue.

EXHIBITION DETAILS

Fondation Maeght
623, Chemin des Gardettes
06570 Saint-Paul de Vence
Email: info@fondation-maeght.com

Tel: +33 (0)4 93 32 81 63

Admission: Adults: 18€, concessions available, free for children under 16, disabled visitors, Friends’ Society members.

Buy admission and events tickets on site or online.

A combined ticket with the Musée Bonnard du Cannet is available at the price of €20 at the ticket offices of either venue, valid for five days to visit both exhibitions.

The Fondation is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm (10am to 7pm July – August)

Photo Credits

All images as credited; courtesy Fondation Maeght

Pierre Bonnard
L’Été, 1917
Huile sur toile, 260 x 340 cm.
Collection Fondation Maeght
Photo Claude Germain

Henri Matisse
Figure assise et le Torse Grec (La gandoura), 1939
Huile et crayon sur toile, 73 x 60 cm.
Nahmad Collection
© Succession H. Matisse