Legion of Honor Presents “The Brothers Le Nain"

The Brothers Le Nain: Painters of 17^th-Century France, is an exhibition containing understated beauty and sensitivity.

This is the first major exhibition in the United States devoted to the Le Nain brothers—Antoine (ca. 1598–1648), Louis (ca. 1600/1605–1648) and Mathieu (ca. 1607–1677). The presentation features more than forty of the brothers’ works to highlight their full artistic production.

Esther Bell, Curator in Charge of European Paintings for the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Cultural Currents that she was especially moved by “Peasants Before a House, because it portrays them with such dignity.

“We must remember that during this historical moment there was much more leisure and time to reflect,” she says. “And although the subjects are referred to as ‘peasants,’ they don’t appear to really be that poor. That may because they lead rich spiritual lives and are satisfied with owning a home and having a few nice clothes.”

Max Hollein, the newly-named Director of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, praised the show too, noting that the “massive” exhibition catalogue is testimony to how important this show may become.

“The brothers Le Nain have not been the subjects of a major exhibition since 1979, when more than 300,000 visitors first came to celebrate their masterful paintings at the Grand Palais in Paris,” says Hollein, “In fact, San Francisco is one of only nine cities in the United States to boast a public collection with a painting by the brothers.”

The catalogue features more than sixty paintings highlighting the artists’ full range of production, including altarpieces, private devotional paintings, portraits and the poignant images of peasants for which the brothers are best known, this illustrated volume presents new research by leading scholars in the field concerning the authorship, dating and meaning of the works.