The Château des Ducs de Bretagne in Nantes is hosting an extraordinary exhibition featuring 160 works by the legendary Japanese artist Hokusai, running until September 7. This remarkable show centers around exceptional loans from the Hokusai-kan Museum in Obuse, a small town nestled in the Japanese Alps near Nagano. The exhibition offers visitors a rare opportunity to discover lesser-known masterpieces from the final years of the artist's life, including eloquent series of paintings that are rarely seen outside of museum catalogs.
The town of Obuse holds special significance in Hokusai's biography, as it welcomed the illustrious artist on four separate occasions between 1842 and 1848. During these visits in his twilight years, Hokusai created several masterpieces that the museum now preserves, representing some of his most mature and refined work. These treasures, often hidden gems unknown to the broader public, showcase the evolution of the master who famously called himself "the old man mad about drawing."
This marks Hokusai's triumphant return to France, a full decade after the historic monographic exhibition at the Grand Palais that celebrated the ukiyo-e master's legacy. The prince of Japanese printmaking has once again captured French attention, bringing his brushes and artistic vision to the historic walls of the Breton castle. The exhibition thoughtfully organizes these works around thematic presentations, ensuring that both newcomers and connoisseurs can appreciate the breadth of Hokusai's artistic genius.
While the exhibition promises to satisfy newcomers to Hokusai's work, the classics are prominently featured and arranged by theme. The iconic Great Wave of Kanagawa from 1831 quickly makes its dramatic appearance, with its famous foam capturing viewers' attention. The renowned series of the Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji is also represented, providing the familiar touchstones that have made Hokusai a household name worldwide.
The exhibition represents a unique cultural bridge between Japan and France, showcasing how Hokusai's artistic vision transcends cultural boundaries. Visitors to the Château des Ducs de Bretagne will have the exceptional opportunity to witness these rarely traveled works in an intimate European setting. The careful curation ensures that each piece is presented with the reverence and context it deserves, making this a must-see cultural event for art enthusiasts and casual observers alike.
