Artistic masterpieces on show in Beijing's Palace Museum
Prince Albert II of Monaco has lent more than 300 precious artworks from the private collection of the Monaco Palace and his own office, to be exhibited in the Beijing's Palace Museum from Friday to Nov 11, according to Monegasque officials.
Named Princes and Princesses of Monaco: A European Dynasty (13th-21st Century), the exhibition will trace the 700 year history of the Grimaldi dynasty - Europe's oldest dynasty - which was established in 1297.
Thomas Fouilleron, curator of the Palace Library in the city-state of Monaco and lead planner of the exhibition, said that most of the artworks are leaving the Palace of Monaco for the first time.
The exhibition will be arranged in two exhibition halls, the Meridian Gate Gallery and in the East Yanchi building, and cover a total area of 1,400 square meters.
Fouilleron said the main exhibition hall will be arranged in accordance with the layout of the Palace of Monaco to vividly represent the royal rituals in the principality located on the French Riviera.
The other exhibition hall will be decorated as a gorgeous wedding hall, portraying the romance of Monaco's royal family with the precious crowns and jewelry.
He added that the king's throne and some private paintings collected by the prince will also be exhibited. The exhibition also includes exceptional pieces by famous French artists Monet and Renoir.
Catherine Fautrier, Monaco's ambassador to China, said at a news conference in April before the exhibition, that the relationship between China and Monaco has deepened over the past 20 years. The two countries have strengthened cooperation in many fields including economy, education, environmental protection and culture.
Fautrier added she believed the exhibition will allow Chinese people to learn more about Monaco, its origin and roots, culture and history.
People in Monaco are very interested in the Chinese culture, said Fautrier, adding she hopes that the people of the two nations can share more experiences and understand each other better through artistic expression, further deepening their friendship.
(China Daily 09/07/2018 page12)
