The Terrace of Méric
- Original dimensions
- 128 x 97 cm
- Museum
- Petit Palais / Museum of Modern Art
- Year
- 1867
Scene depicted
The painting "La Terrasse de Méric" presents a scene of daily life, capturing the sweetness of time spent around a sunny terrace. Friends are gathered, joyfully discussing in a bright and peaceful atmosphere. Bazille immortalizes not only a moment but also the mirages of a life that celebrates friendship and nature, while foreshadowing the innovations of the movement Impressionist .
Historical context
Created in 1867, La Terrasse de Méric is an emblematic work of the Impressionist movement, painted in Montpellier, a region where Frédéric Bazille spent part of his youth. This painting embodies the spirit of an era when modernity emerged from artistic traditions. Today, this precious artwork is preserved at the Petit Palais in Paris, a museum of modern art known for its diverse collections. Measuring 128 x 97 cm, it stands out for its presence in space.
Place in the artist's career
La Terrasse de Méric represents a turning point in Bazille's career. This masterpiece testifies to his promising start and his evolving style. In parallel, his other works such as "La Réunion de famille" and "Le Pont de l'Europe" clearly show his interest in light and human interactions, reflecting his quest for a unique pictorial language.
Anecdote
Frédéric Bazille once stated: "Light is the color of sound." This quote reveals the very essence of his inspiration. Imagine him, sitting on his terrace one spring morning, breathing in floral scents while observing the play of light on the living canvas of nature. This fleeting moment awakened in him the deep emotion that translates into La Terrasse de Méric, a pictorial work that exudes beauty and tranquility.
Major exhibitions
The Impressionists in Private