The Salon du Dessin at the Palais Brongniart: An Exploration of Graphic Arts

Each year, the Salon du Dessin transforms Paris into an international meeting point for art enthusiasts and professionals. This 33rd edition takes place at the Palais Brongniart, featuring 39 exhibitors, nearly half of whom are foreign galleries. The event plays a crucial role in the recognition and promotion of drawing in all its forms.

The Palais Brongniart: A Historic Landmark

Located in the heart of Paris, the Palais Brongniart holds a significant place in the city’s financial and architectural history. Commissioned by Napoleon I and completed in 1826, it housed the Paris Stock Exchange until 1998. Designed by architect Alexandre-Théodore Brongniart, its neoclassical style features imposing columns reminiscent of ancient temples. Once a hub of economic transactions, the building now hosts exhibitions and cultural events, repurposing its financial legacy into an institutional and artistic venue.

A Key Event for Graphic Arts

The Salon du Dessin goes beyond a traditional exhibition. It brings together events under the Drawing Week, multiplying discussions and presentations dedicated to graphic arts. Collectors, historians, and curators travel to discover rare works and connect with experts in the field.

This year’s exhibitors include several newcomers who enhance the program. London’s Stern Pissarro, contemporary art gallery Michael Werner, and avant-garde specialists James Butterwick join the event. Galleria d’Arte Maggiore, along with Larock-Granoff, Florian Sundheimer, and F. Baulme Fine Arts, enrich the showcase with ancient and modern artworks. Galleries such as Claude Bernard, Christopher Bishop, and Ronny Van de Velde return after several years of absence.

Honored Guests

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Reims, currently undergoing renovation, presents 46 drawings, including portraits by Lucas Cranach the Younger and works by Simon Vouet, Charles Le Brun, and Maria-Helena Vieira Da Silva. This selection keeps the museum’s collections visible despite its temporary closure.

Another guest of honor, the Tavolozza Foundation, showcases a selection of works centered on the theme of the artist and travel. Established in 2001 by collector Katrin Bellinger, the foundation holds 1,800 drawings, paintings, and engravings spanning various periods.

Techniques in the Spotlight

The Salon du Dessin provides an opportunity to explore the diversity of drawing techniques. Pen and brown ink drawing, popular since the Renaissance, appears in works by Parmigianino, surrealist artists, and Dutch painters like Adriaen van de Venne.

Blue paper, first used in Venice in the 16th century, allows artists to manipulate contrasts. Stefano Pozzi, showcased by Sabrier & Paunet, explores these effects in a tribute to painters such as Guido Reni.

Pastel also features prominently at the Salon. Portrait specialist Claude Hoin is presented by Didier Aaron, while Henry van de Velde, a key figure in Art Nouveau and Bauhaus, is highlighted by Ronny Van de Velde. Ditesheim & Maffeidisplays a work by Sam Szafran, who in the 1960s depicted cabbages, drawing inspiration from childhood memories.

Watercolor holds a special place in this exhibition. Its transparency and fluidity fascinate me. I find it to be a lively and expressive technique, capturing atmospheres with apparent simplicity yet requiring great mastery. The Paolo Antonaccigallery exhibits a drawing by Ippolito Caffi, while Galerie de la Présidence presents several watercolors by Henri Edmond Cross, including La couture, notable for its freshness.

Conclusion

The Salon du Dessin explores the many facets of graphic arts. From ancient techniques to contemporary expressions, it provides an overview of drawing’s evolution and its significance in artistic creation. This annual event affirms its central role in promoting the discipline and continues to attract collectors and specialists.