After the exhibition "A taste for nature. Paintings of the 19^th and 20^th centuries", the Fine Arts Museum will be re-exhibiting pieces from its permanent collection which had been temporarily removed from display. This hanging, on view until Summer, in preparation for a significant exhibition by Philippe-Jacques de Loutherbourg (Strasbourg 1740-London 1812)" , on view from November 17^th 2012 to February 18^th 2013, is yet another opportunity to highlight the museum's recent acquisitions.

Color!

This new presentation takes on a novel approach: preserving audacious colors chosen for the exhibition. This involved new themes and challenges, in other words a new look at the collections given that a spectator "relates" to a same work depending upon the way it is presented alongside environing works. These colors create striking effects spotlighted throughout the exhibit.

Two new acquisitions

A salle d'actualité (event room) features a theme tackling the painter's representation, whether at work or as a model. Its pivotal point is the painter's portrait, both masterful and sketch-like, purchased from a Parisian gallery this year and painted circa 1778 by François-André Vincent, brilliant contemporary of Fragonard and David.

Another recent purchase is Allegory of Music painted circa 1630 by Michele Desubleo acquired through pre-emption right last June.

This work quite naturally found its place, blending in perfectly between the "pure" naturalism of Valentin de Boulogne and the "Baroque" lyricism of Loth and his daughters by Simon Vouet.

New additions

Besides these two purchases, this hanging unveils certain paintings unavailable for public viewing for many years, including an impressive self-portrait signed by the Polish painter Falinski, an érotique Académie particulière by Saint-Aubin and a portrait of a man by Schürzenberger, doubtlessly his masterpiece. Alsatian painters are artfully highlighted : the Museum l'Oeuvre Notre-Dame has loaned still lifes by Stoskopff displayed in the Museum's  Column Gallery ; a room devoted to Loutherbourg has been created and the last room displays the most impressive paintings depicting 19^th  century Alsace housed in the museum by Drölling, Schuler and Brion.

Exploring the treasures on reserve

The first Saturday of each month the Fine Arts Museum opens its doors onto its many hidden treasures. Four rooms allow one to discover works which are not permanently on display. The visit is included in the price of admission to the Fine Arts Museum. For reasons of security, access is limited to 20 individuals at a time.