Henry Cros, Sculpteur et Dessinateur exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, photos

From March 6 to May 26, 2024, the Musée des Arts décoratifs presents an exhibition dedicated to Henry Cros (1840-1907), an emblematic but little-known figure in 19th-century sculpture. Recognized by masters such as Rodin and Bourdelle, Cros distinguished himself through his innovative approach and significant contribution to modern art.

This exhibition, curated by Jean-Luc Olivié and Véronique Ayroles, offers a comprehensive retrospective on Henry Cros, renowned for his innovative approach and influence on modern art. He is recognized for his contributions, notably in encaustic painting, polychromy, and his invention of the " pâte de verre " technique in 1884.

Theexhibition reveals Cros in a new light, presenting his unpublished works from donations made to the museum since 1914, and a treasure trove of his personal notebooks, offering a rare insight into his creative process. It showcases his talent not only in sculpture, but also in painting and drawing, revealing his technical mastery across a variety of mediums. On view are her portraits of children, figures from a dreamed-up antiquity, fairy tales, and works in wax, terracotta, bronze and marble.

The exhibition also raises questions aboutHenry Cros 's artistic classification: was he Romantic, Neo-Classical or Symbolist? It explores Cros's relationships with other 19th-century figures, including Auguste Rodin, Antoine Bourdelle, Paul Verlaine, Edouard Manet, and his brothers, Charles and Antoine Cros.

Highlights include portraits of literary and artistic figures of the period, a large encaustic painting, Uranie, and sculptures in colored glass. Watercolor projects, masks, medallions and bas-reliefs testify to the diversity and richness of Cros's themes.

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The exhibition offers an immersion into the artistic world of Henry Cros, revealing a rich heritage of previously unseen works, mostly from donations made to the museum since 1914. Coinciding with the Salon du Dessin in 2024, this monograph pays tribute to Cros' major contribution to the evolution of sculpture and decorative art.

To visit this exhibition is to plunge into the history of an artist who pushed back the boundaries of traditional art, paving the way for new artistic expressions. It's a unique opportunity to discover the breadth and depth of the work ofHenry Cros, an artist who, despite his considerable influence, remains unknown to the general public.

Through this exhibition, we have the opportunity to discover the multiple facets of an artist who never ceased to innovate and surprise. His vision, both traditional and revolutionary, makes him a key figure in 19th-century art, whose legacy continues to inspire generations of artists. This exhibition is an invitation to rediscover a pioneer of modern art, a journey through time and art that promises to enrich your perception of sculpture and the decorative arts.