> PAINTING THE MODERN GARDEN

Royal Academy of Arts, London
18th Feb 2016

Painting the modern Garden: Monet to Matise - Using the work of Monet as a starting point, this landmark exhibition examines the role gardens played in the evolution of art from the early 1860s through to the 1920s. 

This show traces the emergence of the modern garden in its many forms and takes you on a journey through a period of great social change and innovation in the arts. Discovering the paintings of some of the most important Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and Avant-Garde artists of the early twentieth century as they explore this theme.

Monet's Agapanthus Triptych

Santiago Rusiñol, Glorieta de cipreses, Jardines de Aranjuez

Monet, arguably the most important painter of gardens in the history of art, once said he owed his painting “to flowers”. But Monet was far from alone in his fascination with the horticultural world, which is why masterpieces by Renoir, Cezanne, Pissarro, Manet, Sargent, Kandinsky, Van Gogh, Matisse, Klimt and Klee are also here to be enjoyed. For these artists and others, the garden gave them the freedom to break new ground and explore the ever-changing world around them. Highlights include a remarkable selection of works by Monet, including the monumental Agapanthus Triptych, reunited specifically for the exhibition, Renoir’s Monet Painting in His Garden at Argenteuil and Kandinsky’s Murnau The Garden II.

Over 120 works to lift ones spirit and leave a smile on your face! Another beautiful show from the RA. Seeing as Dave loves gardens and I love art... this has been the perfect show for the both of us

10 out of 10!