The Musée Maillol presents “21 rue La Boétie”, an exhibition that traces the singular career of Paul Rosenberg (1881-1959), one of the leading art dealers of the first half of the 20th century. It brings together around sixty masterpieces of modern art (including pieces by artists like Pablo Picasso, Fernand Léger, Georges Braque, Henri Matisse, Marie Laurencin), some of which have never been seen before in France, from major public collections such as the Centre Pompidou, the Musée d’Orsay, the Musée Picasso in Paris and the Deutsches Historisches Museum in Berlin, as well as important private collections such as that of David Nahmad. Many of the works are directly linked to the dealer, having passed through his galleries in Paris and New York, while others reflect the historical and artistic context of the period.

Conceptualized by Tempora and produced by Culturespaces, the exhibition has the active support of Paul Rosenberg’s granddaughter, Anne Sinclair, author of the eponymous book 21 rue La Boétie (published by Editions Grasset & Fasquelle, 2012).

A passionate art dealer, shrewd businessman and discerning art lover, Paul Rosenberg was the friend and agent to the greatest artists of his time, who would go on to become undisputed masters of modern art. His legendary gallery was a pivotal point for modern painting in France as well as broader Europe and the United States.

Paul Rosenberg’s career provides a fresh perspective on the pivotal moment in the history of art marked by the emergence of modern art and, in the turmoil of the Second World War, the relocation of the world center of art history from Paris to New York. Combining art history, social history and politics, the exhibition sheds light on a crucial moment in the twentieth century, of which Paul Rosenberg was an emblematic witness, simultaneously playing both participant and casualty.

Following the exhibition at the Musée de La Boverie in Liège, “21 rue La Boétie” is being shown as part of the Musée Maillol new programme of public events, organized by Culturespaces and centered around modern and contemporary art. It brings to life Paul Rosenberg’s relationship with Aristide Maillol, whom the art dealer championed in his gallery.

The exhibition is curated by Elie Barnavi, Benoît Remiche, Isabelle Benoit, Vincent Delvaux and François Henrard of the Tempora team. Anne Sinclair is the exhibition’s patron. Elaine Rosenberg, Paul Rosenberg’s daughter-in-law made her archives available.