Presented at the Musée Léopold in Vienna last year, the Masculin/Masculin exhibition finally opens its doors at the Musée d’Orsay. A panorama dedicated to male nudity that’s sure to be emulated.
After “L’Ange du bizarre” and “Crime et Châtiment”, the Musée d’Orsay turns its attention to the nude male in art from 1800 to the present day. Athletic male bodies have always been the subject of works of art, but never before have they been brought together to form a coherent and revealing whole. Divided into six sections, the 186 pieces from collections both classic and contemporary echo each other in a rhythmic, playful and philosophical dialogue. From the academic representation of the body, to its aura of ancient heroism blending strength, sensuality and desire, Masculin/Masculin takes the time for detail, precision and subtlety, without ever lapsing into vulgarity or provocation.
Visitors go from contemplation to amused smiles in a single step. Jean Cocteau’s drawings rub shoulders with David La Chapelle’s whimsical photographs, and Auguste Rodin’s bronze statues cast a wise eye over Pierre et Gilles’ studio compositions. An astonishing and explosive blend of genres and techniques, whose common thread is the representation of man at his most beautiful. Skin is smooth, hair non-existent, and light shines on the flawless, perfect bodies of young ephebes, in the image of canvases depicting mythological gods and heroes like Orpheus. Hiding the sexes out of modesty behind a vine leaf or a sword scabbard, artists a few centuries later no longer hesitated to let this same sex roam free, preserving a wave of sensuality and delicacy in the composition of their works. From the back or the front, reclining or curled up, their vigorous bodies exude exaltation and ecstasy, blending their saintly virility with a disturbing femininity.
Practical information
Masculin/Masculin, the nude man in art from 1800 to the present day
Until January 2nd
Musée d’Orsay
1 rue de la Légion d’honneur
Paris 7
01 40 49 48 14
Photo credit: Pierre et Gilles
Laura Heurteloup
Cette publication est également disponible en :
