Details
Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 Fifth Avenue
Through September 3
Related Content
More About
Unfortunately, there are none of the late pastel self-portraits on hand to humanize Chardin. In the catalog, they're captivating. At first you think he's in drag, some sort of goofball swami. Outfitted in glasses and bundled in some kind of turban or headdress, he's a strange combination of Ed Wynn, Ben Franklin, Bea Arthur, and a kindly uncle.
Writers almost always add that Chardin paints love, not sex. As if ardor would soil the purity and the "goodness" of his art. But there's lots of sex in Chardin. It's that tingly, sensuous, voluptuous buzz you feel standing in front of his best work. It's what we mean when we say we love Chardin: He paints our rapturous infatuation with life.
Now Trending
-
Voice Places
Find everything you're looking for in your city
-
Happy Hour App
Find the best happy hour deals in your city
-
Daily Deals
Get today's exclusive deals at savings of anywhere from 50-90%
-
Best Of...
Check out the hottest list of places and things to do around your city
- Profile
- Newsletters
- Mobile
- Logout
