Two New Exhibits at the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec: Etchings, Shadows, and A Splash of Color

This summer, the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec has rolled out the red carpet for two dazzling new exhibits that will have art lovers swooning and skeptics scratching their heads in equal measure. First up, we have the grand master of European art, Rembrandt van Rijn, who’s taking a break from his eternal slumber to show off his etchings. Next, in a delightful contrast, we meet Helen McNicholl, the Canadian Impressionist who proves that shadows and beach scenes can indeed coexist harmoniously.

The Rembrandt exhibit is an in-depth exploration of the man who could turn a piece of metal and some acid into pure gold—well, etchings, but you get the idea. This exhibit is like a history lesson on steroids. With around 80 rare etchings on loan from a Dutch collection, you’re in for an experience so intimate and intricate that you’ll swear you’ve traveled back to the 17th century. The detailed etchings reveal Rembrandt’s genius technique, leaving you pondering how on earth he managed to make those tiny lines say so much. It’s like reading a novel with just your eyes. And if you’re wondering who followed in his footsteps, you’ll be treated to works by artists who were so inspired by Rembrandt that they practically set up shrines in his honor.

But just when you think you’ve had your fill of dark, brooding religious scenes and intricate lines, you step into the vibrant world of Helen McNicholl. Never heard of her? Neither had I. But boy, does she make an impression! This retrospective is a revelation, highlighting McNicholl’s exquisite use of light and shadow. Her color palette is so beautiful, you might be tempted to lick the canvases—though I wouldn’t recommend it. Her beach scenes are particularly enchanting, making you feel the sun on your face and the sand between your toes. And her focus on children, akin to Monet’s obsession with flowers, brings a whimsical touch that is both charming and profound.

These two exhibits couldn’t be more different, yet together, they create a harmonious symphony of light and dark. Rembrandt’s somber etchings provide a deep, reflective experience, while McNicholl’s vibrant paintings offer a joyful escape. It’s like having a moody, introspective coffee date with Rembrandt in the morning and a carefree picnic with McNicholl in the afternoon.

So, grab your art-loving friends, your skeptical neighbors, and maybe even that cousin who thinks velvet Elvis paintings are the pinnacle of artistic achievement, and head over to the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec. These exhibits are more than just additions to the museum’s permanent collection—they are a testament to the timeless power of art to surprise, delight, and inspire.