The Royal Academy of Arts in London is currently hosting an exhibition titled 'Painting the French Riviera'. The exhibition has drawn criticism for its approach, which reportedly focuses on the geographical location of paintings rather than their artistic significance.
Reviewers note that the exhibition gives a grander setting to neo-impressionist works, particularly those by Paul Signac, while Henri Matisse and the Fauves are allocated a smaller, less prominent display. This is despite Matisse's 1904 work, 'Study for Luxe, calme et volupté', being highlighted as a key piece that captures the essence of the Riviera.
The exhibition is also said to downplay the erotic themes found in the works of artists like Matisse and Pablo Picasso, who both explored the sensual aspects of the Riviera. Picasso's contributions are reportedly limited, with a focus on his classical interpretations rather than his more explicit works.
Other artists such as Claude Monet and Pierre Bonnard are featured, but the exhibition is noted for giving more space to Monet than Cézanne. The absence of Vincent van Gogh, who painted southern beaches, is also questioned.