The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is hosting an exhibition dedicated to Berthe Weill, an early 20th-century Parisian art dealer who was the first to sell a Picasso and supported many avant-garde artists like Matisse and Modigliani, often before they achieved widespread fame. The exhibition, which runs until September 7, reconstructs her career despite her poor record-keeping, highlighting her significant but often overlooked contributions to modern art.
Unsung art dealer Berthe Weill, the first to sell a Picasso, finally gets her due
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is hosting an exhibition dedicated to Berthe Weill, an early 20th-century Parisian art dealer who was the first to sell a Picasso and supported many avant-garde artists like Matisse and Modigliani, often before they achieved widespread fame. The exhibition, which runs until September 7, reconstructs her career despite her poor record-keeping, highlighting her significant but often overlooked contributions to modern art.
- 1 1902: Weill gave Picasso one of his first shows and was the first dealer to sell a Picasso.
- 2 1917: Weill organized a show for Amedeo Modigliani that was shut down by police.
- 3 1933: Weill published her memoir 'Pan! dans l’oeil!'.
- 4 1941: Weill was forced to close her gallery during the occupation of France.
- 5 Immediately after WWII: An art lovers' society organized a benefit auction for Weill.
- 6 1948: Weill was awarded the Légion d’honneur.
- 7 Current: Exhibition 'Berthe Weill, Art Dealer of the Parisian Avant-garde' at MMFA.
- 8 September 7 (current year): Exhibition concludes.
- Weill's legacy is finally being recognized through a major exhibition, highlighting her role in supporting avant-garde artists.
What: An exhibition honoring Berthe Weill, an influential but unsung art dealer, is being held.
When: Exhibition continues to September 7 (current year, implied 2025). Weill's career spanned early 20th century (1900-1940s).
Where: Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Weill's gallery was in Montmartre, Paris, France.
Why: To give Berthe Weill her due recognition for her significant contributions to early 20th-century art, particularly her support for emerging artists.
How: Through an exhibition reconstructing her career using her memoir, existing research, flyers, and invitations, showcasing works that passed through her gallery.