It is a great
exhibition where you travel in time, from 17th century until today. You will
see here for example the stories of the first famous monks who produced
champagne, like Dom Perignon and Dom Ruinart.
At the end
of the 17th century the wine of the champagne region becomes a sparkling wine.
It is rare and expensive, so only rich people can drink it. It becomes then a
symbol of luxury and aristocracy. French King Louis XV ordered some bottles in
1735 for the Versailles Castle (凡尔赛宫).
The funny
thing to notice is the severe face of Mrs. Clicquot compared to the angel face
of her back-granddaughter in the Leon Cognet painting.
You will find also here amazing objects
from this time, coming from all over the world, like precious champagne
glasses. I find the one belonging to the former tsar of Russia especially
beautiful. You will also find those belonging to Napoleon (拿破仑) and his wife Josephine.
At the 19
century champagne is a symbol of luxury, but also Entertainment and party. The
exhibition shows many drawing and paintings of parties; and objects, which are
old advertisements for champagne houses, like beautiful advertisement fans
At the end
of the 19th century and beginning of 20th century, the champagne houses use all
kind of arts to promote champagne, and take part in the great world exhibitions
happening in France. Mercier for example is a great marketer and he will bring
one of the biggest barrels to the 1889 universal exhibition, pulled by 24 cows.
It is also
the Art Nouveau period.
Finally at
the 20th century, major artists use the champagne in their art. You find here
beautiful Picasso 毕加索 painting and drawings, Monet paintings and Dali works. The “barrel
vergin” of the Japanese painter Foujita is very surprising. It represents peace
after World War 2.
In this
exhibition you will also see great Murano glass sculptures, the oldest
champagne bottle found in the Baltic Sea in 2010, a Charlie Chaplin 查理·卓别林 movie, and a lot more.
I found
this exhibition very rich, interesting, and pleasant to visit. If you go to
Reims, don’t miss it. It lasts until May, 26 2013.
