17th Century masterpiece goes on display in South Shields
A legendary French painter’s masterpiece is set to go on display in South Shields town centre.
The South Shields Museum & Art Gallery is now displaying its second world famous painting of the year as part of the National Gallery Masterpiece Tour.
It follows the Ocean Road gallery hosting Monet’s The Petit Bras of the Seine at Argenteuil at the start of the year and it is now exhibiting Pierre Mignard’s The Marquise de Seignelay (1691).
The artwork reveals the recently widowed Marquise in a then fashionable mythological setting, draped in beautiful finery, her son and love’s favourite Cupid by her side.
A new exhibition
Titled ‘Mignard: The Power of Posing’, the exhibition explores the power of portraiture and how artists use pose, clothing, expression and setting to communicate identity, status and personality.
Mignard’s masterpiece is supported by a display of portrait paintings from the North East Museums’ collections.
There is also poetry inspired by The Marquise de Seignelay from young people from the New Writing North Writers' Group for visitors to read throughout the exhibition.
There will also be an interactive ‘Selfie Station’ where visitors can explore a wardrobe of costumes and accessories to transform themselves into a living masterpiece.
Another masterpiece in South Shields
Keith Merrin, Director of North East Museums, has expressed his delight at being able to host another world-renowned artwork at the South Shields venue.
He said: "We are delighted to welcome another masterpiece into South Shields Museum & Art Gallery as part of the National Gallery Masterpiece Tour.
“This partnership gives people across the North East the opportunity to experience an internationally significant work of art on their doorstep."
‘We’re proud’
Councillor Elliott Curry, Lead Member for Culture, Leisure, Tourism and Voluntary Sector at South Tyneside Council, has welcomed another masterpiece going on display in the borough.
Cllr Curry stated: "We're proud that South Shields Museum & Art Gallery continues to bring world-class art to South Tyneside.
“Having a National Gallery masterpiece on display gives local people and visitors a unique opportunity to experience an extraordinary piece of art without travelling to London.
Entry to the exhibition is free but donations to the museum are encouraged - there is no need to pre-book.