De la scène à la toile. Artistes et mondaines de la Belle Époque

The Musée des Beaux-Arts Jules Chéret is celebrating the splendour of the Belle Époque (1871–1914) with a new display, a period that forms one of the core highlights of its collections.

Donations from artists, collectors and socialites offer a glimpse—both limited and subjective—into this idealized era and the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Nice. Featuring carnival scenes as well as portraits of famous composers and foreign princesses, the exhibition shines a particular spotlight on talented opera and dramatic actresses who, through the worldwide recognition they achieved, exercised unprecedented independence and authority.

The question of representation thus extends from the stage to the art of portraiture, from performance to self-projection, while also revealing the importance of fashion, which reached its peak in the second half of the 19th century with the development of ready-made clothing—the precursor to prêt-à-porter—and the emergence of haute couture. By immortalising their subjects wearing theatrical costumes, disguises, festive attire, ceremonial garments or the height of modern fashion, portraitists provided them with a space on canvas for an ultimate and eternal staging.