A journey through art, history and fashion at Musée Jean-Honoré Fragonard

It's been a journey through art, history and fashion altogether. Musee Fragonard was the host for such a periple that filled my being with a fresh energy while taking a look into the past at the same time. On a press encounter with Musee Fragonard, we visited le Musée Jean-Honoré Fragonard under the guidance of Andréa Zanella, conservateur of Musée Jean-Honoré Fragonard and Province Museum of Costumes and Jewels with curator, Eva Lorenzini. From the art of painting and drawing under the trompe l'œil technique up to 18th century costumes and jewels, it was more than a walk into art, it was more a piece extract from a way of living.

The art of trompe l'œil stirs your vision - Trompe-l'oeil, l'art de l'illusion - (25 avril - 30 septembre 2016)

With Trompe l'oeil: the art of illusion, Jean-Honoré Fragonard Museum dedicates

a new exhibition to a popular technique that some artists often neglected by the history of art: trompe l'oeil painting . 

Both intellectual game and challenge to artists, this pictorial performance reminds us 
how our senses and perceptions can be abused.
To be trompe l'oeil, a painting must be realistic and also to be placed into an illusionist environment. 
We saw trompe l'oeil technique linked to still life paintings or works 
representing compositions like the "artist's studio". 
Also, imitation carvings was represented at the Museum in testifying polyptychs from the XVth century. 
The sculptures of Anne Vallayer-Coster are bas-reliefs realized with some decorative purposes.
The interactivity of modern trompe l'oeil that makes the sculptures "move" are the mirage and 
Gaspard Gresly technique do the delight of the viewers.

What were the fashion trends in Provence back in the 18th century ? 

Dentelles et parures, précieuses provençales

(26 mars - 31 décembre 2016)  & 1926 - 2016, 90 ans de parfum (25 avril - 31 octobre 2016)

The Province elegancy was influenced by the good Parisian society and the style changed between 1780 and 1900? 

The Provencal Museum of Costume and Jewellery proposes a walk through the exhibition and lace trimmings, 

tracing through 16 unpublished silhouettes dressed in their finest outfits with the evolution of regional feminine 

elegance.

 "Let's talk about fashion and its unique quirks it has imposed since nearly more than a century in Paris, 

France and in the world. " stated Edmond Texier, in his Tableau de Paris, in 1852. 

The parts of the collection are from middle-class familes of Grasse, the Var and the Bouches-du-Rhone. 

The identity of the local fashion is influenced by Parisian fashion during XIX century. 

They took inspiration from Journal des Demoiselles, Le Petit Courrier des Dames, the Monitor Mode. 

The outfits belong to the good society and show exactly the different social classes.
 It is a journey through the history of costumes in Provence where the English coat 

replaces the dresses called "a la francaise."

 English dress, that is in fact a version of Polish dress, mark the disappearance of 

the whale body and baskets and makes way to the one piece dress. 

Gradually, the baroque trend seemed more powerful as the skirt got  wider as well as the sleeves sometimes called 

"leg of lamb" or "innings giraffe", "the mad", "the fool."
 Also, the cashmere shawl is the indispensable accessory and remains fashionable 

until the XIX century.
The hairstyle is a hidden under the cloth which flares out around the face during the day while at night, 

women wear the tall hair styles called "a la giraffe."

90 years of perfumery at Musee Fragonard

To celebrate its 90 years, the Parfumerie Fragonard also presents, in the Musée Jean-Honoré Fragonard in Grasse, 

 the exhibition from 1926 to 2016, 

90 years of Perfume, an ode to fragrances and a tribute to this family history which started in 1926.

Four generations have succeeded to preserve the spirit of the perfume with time and to continue the line 

founded by Eugene Fuchs. 

Taking over from his father, Francois Costa and his uncle, George Fuchs, Jean Francois, accompanied 

by his cousin Patrick 

until 1995 expanded the vision and the company. 

They opened two new production units. Also, a Museum was created. Thsi passion was passed on to 

their daughters, Anne, Agnes and Francoise. 

Today, the house spread its vision towards fashion also creating clothing inspired by the travels 

and cultures in India, Mexic and many other. 

Everything has an ethnic style and expresses the good energy captured into comfortable and 

colourful clothes. 

Fragonard Museum awaits you with a diversity of exhibitions for the delight of each art.

Editor Andra Oprea