The Figurative Mondrian, the exhibition at Paris Musée Marmottan Monet is on

An exhibition devoted to Mondrian in Paris! This is a compelling event especially since it’s not about the painter’s most famous paintings, a true (re)discovery of the Dutch painter.

67 figurative paintings by Piet Mondrian bought by Salomon Slijper (1884-1971) are highlighted from September 12, 2019 to January 26, 2020 at the Musée Marmottan Monet.

This diamond merchant’s son who quickly became fascinated by the painter and especially his figurative painting, became friend with Mondrian, becoming his major buyer. Prior to his death, he has created the Gemeentemuseum in The Hague with his collection – the largest in the world.

Works presented – half of it travelling for the first time to Paris – including “Molen Mill: Mill in Sunlight” (1908) that will leave its initial museum for the last time because of its fragility.

If the exhibition is devoted to the painter’s figurative paintings, it starts with Composition No. 4, the first work purchased by Salomon Slijper, a work purely abstract that matches the collective picture we have of Mondrian’s production. Beside it, “Dead Hare” (1891), a very traditional Dutch still-life painting.

After this still-life painting, the Musée Marmottan Monet invites us to discover Mondrian’s figurative works; first landscapes from the Gooi region (eastern Amsterdam), the most ancient paintings made with chiaroscuro, then with brighter colors.

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In 1907, Mondrian changes completely his painting, he considers then that “colors of nature cannot be reproduced on canvas”. It’s decided then, he dares extremely colorful contrasts such as “Windmill by the Water” (1907-1908) or “Woods near Oele” (1908).

We can also admire “Mill” (1911) bright and standing out a bright blue background and two deep colors. Next to the colorful mills, women are depicted, cold – “Farm Near Duivendrecht” (1916), “Geinrust Farm with High Horizon” (circa 1906-1907) oil and charcoal. We’re told that he uses the ocher colors from cubist artists Braque and Picasso.

Next to landscapes, a few portraits, including “Devotion” (1908) that reminds us of Van Gogh, Portrait of a girl (1908) and self-portraits, three to be precise, including a self-portrait of Mondrian posing in front of an abstract checkered painting (1918).

We’re looking forward!