It was not until the middle of the 19th century that the world began to re-appreciate the talent of Jean-Siméon Chardin (1699-1779), with artists such as Edouard Manet and Paul Cezanne citing him as a major influence. Unlike Johannes Vermeer, another painter whose work regained popularity after years of obscurity, Chardin has rarely been focused on in Japan.
In 1979, curator Pierre Rosenberg organized a large-scale exhibition of Chardin's works, which showed in Paris, Boston and Cleveland. He continued to supervise international exhibitions featuring Chardin, and this is the first show he's worked on for Japan. Rosenberg himself screened the works on display; Sept. 8-Jan. 6.
Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum, Tokyo; (03) 5777-8600; 2-6-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Nijunashimae Station, Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line. Thu, Fri and Sat, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Tue, Wed and Sun, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. ¥1,500. Closed Mon. www.mimt.jp/chardin.