Portraits of the Belle Époque

The period between the Franco-Prussian War and the First World War, known as the Belle Époque, was characterized by population growth, economic progress, and intense cultural activity. In the artistic field, the portrait became one of the most representative genres, reflecting the personality of modern man and the social changes of the time.

The Belle Époque Portraits exhibition presents a journey through this "golden age" of European portraiture, from artists' self-portraits to society, family, and outdoor portraits, highlighting works that capture the characters and emotions of the subjects. The tour culminates with Toulouse-Lautrec and the artists who reflected the disenchantment leading up to the First World War. The exhibition catalog, published by the Consortium of Museums of the Valencian Community, the "la Caixa" Foundation, and Ediciones El Viso, includes critical essays, work profiles, and biographies of artists such as Sorolla, Klimt, Munch, and Schiele.