A look into the soul of great masterpieces

Capturing one person's eyes through the eyes of another, this is the challenge many painters have faced since the Renaissance! But the eye alone does not constitute a look. A look involves the whole face, attitude, gestures, and is a window to the soul. In a portrait, it defines character, feelings, and moods. In scenes that depict daily life, looks can reveal what is going on. In the great historical paintings inspired by events of the past, mythology, religious history, etc., glances intermingle and give an idea of what is happening between the protagonists.

By way of an introduction, this virtual exhibition opens with The Wedding Feast at Cana (1563) by Paolo Véronèse, which depicts a famous story from the life of Christ: the miracle of turning water into wine. This biblical event is transformed into a sumptuous feast by the painter, in which looks are exchanged between the most diverse group of people.

This grandiose wedding sets up the first chapter, which is dedicated to the tenderness and simple happiness that a fulfilling family life can bring.

There is a hope-filled conclusion to the exhibition however as, in a flurry of allegorical figures, the common enemy of all life is defeated, and Love is victorious over Time.

Dans ce visage aux yeux clos, image intemporelle, Odilon Redon invite pour finir à la méditation.

Le regard se tourne désormais vers l’intérieur de soi pour pénétrer le monde de la pensée et des rêves les plus profonds, un moment suspendu et paisible, avant que les paupières ne se rouvrent sur la vie trépidante.