Experience the sensual style of Tamara de Lempicka, the Art Deco Queen, in a must-see exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
A Masterclass in Sensual Art: ‘Tamara de Lempicka‘ at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
This long-overdue survey perfectly captures the artist’s sharp, sensual style, offering a glimpse into the life and work of one of the most iconic figures of the Roaring Twenties. Tamara de Lempicka, a Polish painter known for her stunning portraits and nudes, is finally receiving the recognition she deserves in the United States.
Tamara de Lempicka was a Polish-born artist who rose to fame in the 1920s with her stunning Art Deco paintings.
Born in 1898, she studied art in Paris and quickly gained recognition for her unique style, which blended modernity with classical techniques.
De Lempicka's works often featured elegant women, athletes, and aristocrats, showcasing her fascination with luxury and glamour.
Her most famous painting, 'Self-Portrait in a Green Bugatti,' is considered an icon of the Art Deco movement.
De Lempicka's life was marked by controversy and scandal, but her art remains a testament to her skill and innovative spirit.
The Art Deco Queen
Lempicka’s aesthetics are so closely associated with the essence of Art Deco that it’s hard to imagine her work without it. Her paintings are like snapshots of a bygone era, full of glamour and sophistication. Take Portrait of Ira P. (1930), for example, in which our heroine pushes against a wall, her rich thighs resembling those of a sculpture at a Greek temple. The cluster of flowers she carries looks like they were done in marble.
Art Deco emerged in the 1920s as a response to the ornate styles of the past.
Characterized by geometric shapes, metallic materials, and bold colors, this style revolutionized architecture, fashion, and interior design.
Iconic buildings like New York's Chrysler Building and Paris' Palais de la Porte Dorée showcased Art Deco's grandeur.
The movement influenced artists such as Tamara de Lempicka and Jean Dupas, who created works that epitomized the style's glamour and sophistication.
By the 1940s, Art Deco had given way to new styles, but its impact on modern design remains undeniable.
A Career Spanning Decades
Lempicka’s career spanned over five decades, during which she navigated the Roaring Twenties and eventually found herself on the other side of World War II. Her style evolved over time, but her ability to capture the essence of her subjects remained constant. Whether it’s a portrait of a socialite or a nude model, Lempicka’s paintings are infused with a sense of sensuality and intensity.
A Brooding Intensity
One of Lempicka’s most striking qualities is her brooding intensity. Her portraits seem to convey a sense of quiet confidence, as if the subject knows a secret that no one else does. This quality is evident in My Portrait (Tamara in the Green Bugatti) (1929), which features the artist behind the wheel of a car. The geometry of the painting is post-Cubist, but it’s the eyes that really hold the viewer’s attention – they seem to be gazing off into the distance, as if searching for something.
A Show Worth Seeing
The exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is a must-see for anyone interested in art history. The show features over 100 works by Lempicka, including portraits, nudes, and self-portraits. It’s a testament to her enduring influence on modern art, and a reminder that some styles are timeless.
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) is one of the largest art museums in the United States.
With a collection of over 65,000 works of art, it spans 6,000 years of human history.
The museum's permanent collection includes European and American paintings, sculpture, photography, and prints.
The MFAH also features rotating exhibitions from around the world.
Located on 14 acres in the heart of Houston, the museum offers a variety of programs and events for visitors of all ages.
Tamara de Lempicka is on view at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston through May 26, 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the work of one of the most iconic artists of the 20th century.
