Sayart.net - French Masterpieces by Monet and Matisse Coming to University of Florida′s Harn Museum

The Harn Museum of Art at the University of Florida is preparing to showcase an extraordinary collection of French masterpieces from renowned artists including Claude Monet and Henri Matisse. The highly anticipated exhibition, titled "French Moderns: Monet to Matisse, 1850-1950," will open its doors on August 5 at the museum located at 3259 Hull Road in Gainesville. Visitors will have the opportunity to view more than 55 paintings, drawings, and sculptures from the Brooklyn Museum's prestigious collection of European art. The exhibition will remain on display through January 4, 2026, offering an extended period for art enthusiasts to experience these remarkable works. This touring exhibition has been traveling since 2017 to various venues across Italy, South Korea, Canada, and the United States. Lee Anne Chesterfield, the Harn's art director, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host these masterpieces. "The Harn is grateful to our generous donors who have made it possible to bring these masterpieces to the Harn for visitors to enjoy free of charge," Chesterfield said. "We are also excited to have added to the exhibition, the Harn's very own work by Monet, 'Champ d'avoine (Oat Field),' celebrating the growth of our collection and 35 years of art-centered experiences." The artworks featured in this exhibition span a significant period in art history, covering the era between the Revolution of 1848 and the conclusion of World War II. According to the Harn's press release, this era witnessed the emergence of numerous avant-garde artistic movements including Realism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Symbolism, Fauvism, Cubism, and Surrealism. These revolutionary movements fundamentally transformed the art world and continue to influence contemporary artists today. The exhibition is thoughtfully organized into four distinct thematic sections: Landscape, Still Life, Portraits and Figures, and The Nude. This organization allows visitors to explore different genres and approaches within French modern art, providing a comprehensive understanding of the artistic developments during this transformative century. The impressive roster of artists whose works are featured in the exhibition includes Claude Monet, Henri Matisse, Pierre Bonnard, Gustave Caillebotte, Paul Cézanne, Marc Chagall, Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, Gustave Courbet, Edgar Degas, Édouard Manet, Berthe Morisot, Gabriele Münter, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Auguste Rodin, among others. This collection represents some of the most influential names in the history of modern art. Dulce Román, chief curator and curator of modern art at the Harn, emphasized the significance of this exhibition for the local community. "'French Moderns' offers remarkable examples of European art and is the most significant exhibition of French modern art to travel to Gainesville," Román said. "I am delighted that we are able to bring a portion of the Brooklyn Museum's exceptional collection to the Gainesville community, University of Florida, surrounding areas, and tourists to explore and appreciate." The exhibition provides a rare opportunity for North Central Florida residents and visitors to experience world-class art without traveling to major metropolitan museums. The free admission makes these masterpieces accessible to people from all economic backgrounds, furthering the museum's mission of education and cultural enrichment. For more information about the exhibition, including special programming and educational opportunities, visitors can visit harn.ufl.edu/frenchmoderns. Admission to the exhibition is completely free, making it an accessible cultural experience for all members of the community.