Eblouissante Venise!, Exhibition, Grand Palais, Paris: 26 September 2018-21 January 2019

Step into the Grand Palais and time travel to 18th Century Venice in this ‘dazzling’, multi-disciplinary exhibition. Bring the streets of Europe’s most sparkling tourist attraction to life. After much political and military defeat, Venice turned its gaze inward at the start of the 18th Century and established its status as a pleasure palace for the senses - a status it still holds to this day. In its last bout of independence, before Napoleon’s rude intrusion, Venice became a civilised city of modernity and creativity. This way of life was the mercantile port’s starring trade, and its reputation as a centre of commerce reached its peak during this century.

In this moment of history Venice was at the forefront of decorative arts, music and opera. For instance, Venice was the first to ever host a public opera. The driving force behind this development was exceptionally talented painters and sculptors such as Piazzetta and Giambattista Tiepolo, Canaletto, Corradini and Brustolon; who all participated in creating Venice’s unique luxurious aesthetic. Outstanding musicians included composers like Porpora, Hasse, Vivaldi, were served by world-renowned singers such as, Farinelli and Faustina Bordoni.

The Grand Palais wishes to do justice to all the arts that made Venice thrivein by collaborating with  several specialised institutions across Paris. By doing so they have been able to restore the bright dawn of Venice’s luxurious society to it’s original ‘dazzling’ light.

Grand Palais:

Grand Palais, Galleries Nationales, 3, avenue du Général Eisenhower, 75008 Paris