Georges Pompidou and art, in the château of Chambord

The arts and politics have always gone hand in hand. From Michelangelo, painting the ceiling of the Sixtine Chapel for the Popes at the Vatican, to King François the 1st, welcoming Leonardo da Vinci, including the Sun King, whose taste for the arts at a grand level encouraged its development, it was also the case of the Pompidou couple who was the first to introduce contemporary art in national venues.

The Georges Pompidou art retrospective, at the château of Chambord

And to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Pompidou Centre, Chambord is paying homage to the former President of the French Republic and patron of the arts. From the purchase of « La Femme 100 Têtes » by Max Ernst to the Jacques Villon portrait, a few days before his death, in 1974, he collected and showcased on his territory, at Matignon and the Élysée palace, leading modern artists as well as those of the avant-garde from the 50s to the 70s.

Under the coffered ceiling, a work by Yaacov Agam, Double Metamorphosis III, is one of the most photographed. © DR

Enigmatic, Meh, this painting by Vasarely has kept all its mystery since its creation in 1967. © DR

A wide array of major artists on display

The exhibition comprises artists from his own collection or those showcased in venues of power. It displays his pertinence and audacity with 90 paintings, drawings and sculptures, including the famous Paulin room of the Elysée palace. These pieces form an exceptional ensemble, making this event a place where one encounters Adami, Agam, Buffet, Sonia Delaunay, Giacometti, Kandinsky, Klein, Soulages and Vasarely. Also a very good occasion to discover the most handsome flagship of the Loire châteaux.

Recognized artists of the New Realism, Martial Raysse and Pierre Soulages were highly appreciated by Georges Pompidou. © DR