The Pau Museum of Fine Arts shines once again by revealing rare pieces through the “Graphic Treasures” exhibition. This exceptional event, visible until March 23, 2025, invites the public to discover a carefully chosen selection of works on paper: drawings, prints and pastels. This collection, enriched by purchases, legacies and donations, now includes nearly 3,000 creations, mainly French, dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Graphic masterpieces finally revealed
The proofing operationrecently initiated at the museum, has made it possible to rediscover exceptional pieces that were hitherto little known or forgotten. Among these treasures are:
- Prints signed by Henri Matisse, Paul Cezanne et George Braque ;
- Drawings ofHenri de Toulouse-Lautrec or even Kees Van Dongen ;
- Lithographs created by iconic artists like Suzanne Valadon, Maurice Utrillo et Pierre Soulages.
This unique presentation highlights the richness of an often invisible heritage, while paying tribute to the shadow professions which ensure the conservation and promotion of these unique works.
Understand the importance of proofing
Established by the law of January 4, 2002 relating to Museums of France, proofing is a major operation which consists of verifying the presence, condition and location of each work in a collection. This approach, carried out in the reserves of the Pau museum, made it possible to draw up a precise assessment of the graphic arts collection.
Meticulous work
The agents in charge handle the works with care, take notes and photograph each piece to create detailed proofing sheets. This data is then integrated into a digital database, thus guaranteeing optimal management of the collections.
Henri Matisse, Nude in an Interior, color engraving on paper, 20th century – Musée des Beaux Arts de Pau
A dive into the history of Art
The tour of the “Graphic Treasures” exhibition offers a fascinating reading of the evolution of techniques and styles in the world of graphic arts. From bold avant-garde creations to delicately captured scenes of everyday life, each work demonstrates the artists’ creative richness.
The exhibition highlights:
A precious and protected heritage
THE graphic artsoften more fragile than other mediums, require rigorous conservation conditions. Thanks to the work of restorers and managers, these works have benefited from preventive care such as dusting, cleaning or even being placed under protection.
This vigilance guarantees not only their preservation but also their promotion during future exhibitions. By broadening knowledge of these pieces, the Pau Museum of Fine Arts enriches the cultural experience of its public while consolidating its role as guardian of heritage.
André Jules Sureda, The Bridge at Mechelen, watercolor drawing on paper, 20th century – Musée des Beaux Arts de Pau
A place of history and modernity
Founded in 1864, the Pau Museum of Fine Arts has been located in an Art Deco building since 1931. This sober and refined setting houses an impressive permanent collection which covers several centuries of art history. Among the artists represented are Degas, Rubens, El Greco, Brueghel and Berthe Morisot.
In addition to the temporary exhibition “Graphic Treasures”, the museum is offering a permanent exhibition entitled “Travels” until March 25, 2024. The latter explores the movements of artists and their impacts on their creations.
An invitation to discovery
With the “Graphic Treasures” exhibition, the Pau Museum of Fine Arts reaffirms its commitment to making exceptional cultural heritage accessible. It is a unique opportunity to explore the diversity and depth of graphic arts through works that captivate with their beauty and singularity.
Henri Matisse, Dawn, drawing, 20th century – Musée des Beaux Arts de Pau
Practical information
Museum of Fine Arts of Pau – 1 rue Mathieu-Lalanne – 64000 Pau
hours of operation : Tuesday to Sunday – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. closed Monday free rate v
The online museum https://mba-pau.opacweb.fr/fr/
To see and discover at the Museum of Fine Arts of Pau
Until March 23, 2025, the Museum of Fine Arts is offering a brand new display of its collections entitled “Voyages”. Let yourself be surprised by this brand new journey through the permanent rooms and come discover or rediscover the collections of the Museum of Fine Arts in a new light.
