First snow. Exhibition and conference at the Comédie Française – La Comédie Française – Paris, 75001

Exactly 70 years ago, in 1954, a magnificent oil on canvas, the work of one of the masters of 19th century Russian painting: Vassily Polenov (1844-1927), entered the collections of the Comédie-Française. Offered to the Troupe on the occasion of its triumphant tour in the USSR in 1954, “First Snow” (1891) constitutes one of the very rare works of the painter preserved in France, where this artist, although world famous, remains little known. A man of many talents, known as an architect and composer, Polenov was heavily involved in theater. Playwright, author of numerous sets and scenographies, he was a precursor of popular theater in Russia at the beginning of the 20th century, the tradition of which still exists. This study day, open to all audiences, aims, thanks to the participation of art and theater historians from different countries, to raise awareness of some little-known aspects of this exceptional work and its author. Location: La Comédie-Française, Salle Mounet-Sully. Address: Place Colette 75001 Paris. Free entry with registration required before December 1: [email protected] or 06.62.47.62.88.