The Golden Age of British Painting, Exhibition, Musée du Luxembourg, Paris: 11 September 2019–16 February 2020

The exhibition opens with the confrontation between Joshua Reynolds (1723-1792) and Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788), who competed to elevate the portrait to new levels of visual and intellectual innovation. Both artists have greatly contributed to redefine British art.

Their lasting influence is also explored in the exhibition through a selection of major portraits made by competitors and followers like John Hopper, William Beechey and Thomas Lawrence.

With the support of the monarchy as well as prominent figures from the fields of commerce and industry, British painting flourished in a variety of styles, in the 18th century, which was seen at the time as the sign of an artistic golden age.

Musée du Luxembourg

19 bis Rue de Vaugirard, 75006 Paris