Louis Janmot - The Poem of the Soul

Begun in Rome in 1835 and completed in 1881, The Poem of the Soul is the crowning achievement of the Lyonese artist Louis Janmot, a pictorial and literary work all in one. In 34 compositions (18 paintings and 16 large-format drawings) accompanied by a long poem, it illustrates a soul’s initiatory journey on Earth.

The exhibition will enable viewers to discover The Poem of the Soul in its entirety. Although the first cycle is exhibited as part of the Lyon Museum of Fine Arts’ permanent itinerary, the second, more fragile cycle is very rarely shown. Like the Poem of the Soul’s protagonists, the public will be led to explore the mysteries these images harbor, as they make their way, step by step, on their own initiatory journey through these works. The exhibition will present the two modes of expression, visual and textual alongside each other. Visitors will be able to hear the poem while contemplating the pictures.

The exhibition runs from September 12, 2023 - January 7, 2024 at the Musee d’Orsay, 1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur, Paris 75007, France.

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