In touch with the classics

Precious items from the Prez Simn Foundation are being exhibited in Beijing. There will be 100 classic oil paintings on display from the 19th century. The exhibits have been selected to cover the main painting schools of that period, including Classicism, Romanism, Realism, Impressionism and the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. Viewers can see works from such great names as Leighton, Turner, Corot, Munch, Renoir, Pissaro and Moore.

The 19th century witnessed a resurgence in classical art and the revival of traditional Western aesthetics. The gorgeous color schemes and the exuberant compositions of the paintings combine to produce a visual treat for visitors.

The figures of women are a highlight of the exhibition, expressing the yearning for beauty of the painters and the collector.

Leighton, Tissot and Strudwick convey the elegance and beauty of fairies and young ladies. Breton, Bouguereau and Lhermitte portray laborers in the fields. Cabanel and Long concentrate on historical events.

There are also landscapes by Corot, Monet, Munch and others. In Corot's Three Cows at the Pond, he uses similar tones to form a delicate look. Corot captures fleeting moments of light and movement.

Founded in the early 1990s, the Prez Simn Foundation is a non-profit charity institute in Mexico. The initiator of the foundation, Juan Antonio Prez Simn, is an entrepreneur from Mexico.

Story by Wu Liping, photo by Jiang Dong

9 am-5 pm, until June 8

Beijing World Art Museum, China Millennium Monument, A9 Fuxinglu, Haidian District

6851-3322

中华世纪坛世界艺术馆, 海淀区复兴路甲9号

(China Daily 03/08/2008 page6)