For its temporary reopening (it will close its doors in mid-January for renovations), the Musée des Augustins de Toulouse has decided to pay tribute to a painter unknown to the general public: Théodule Ribot. This chiaroscuro follower, criticized for the darkness of his paintings, finally comes out of the shadows. The first visitors were won over by his work inspired by the great Flemish masters of the 17th century.

Through 80 canvases ready by the largest museums in Europe, including the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, visitors can enter Ribot’s work. A work between shadow and light, between modernity and tradition. At the time of the Impressionists and their colorful exuberance, the artist stands out: “Ribot has often been criticized for being a painter of darkness, with little color”, explains Axel Hémery, director of the Musée des Augustins. “But ultimately, his absolute talent is to have known how to make black people sing thanks to very powerful lighting”. Self-taught painter – he began his career with industrial design – Théodule Ribot did not adopt the codes of the currents of the time. To the exaltation of the Impressionists and the Romantics, he preferred the sobriety of portraits of workers and still lifes.

Closed in 2019 for major renovations, the Musée des Augustins de Toulouse, whose final reopening is scheduled for 2023, has partnered with the Museums of Fine Arts of Marseille and Caen to mount this exhibition. After Les Augustins, Delicious darkness will therefore be visible in Marseille from February 10 to May 15 and in Caen from June 11 to October 2, 2022.

Exposure Théodule Ribot (1823-1891). Delicious darkness at the Musée des Augustins de Toulouse until January 10, 2022.