ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Deauville Museum Exhibition Explores Artistic Depictions of Figures Viewed from Behind

exhibition · 2026-03-19

The Musée des Franciscaines in Deauville is presenting an exhibition titled 'Vu[e]s de dos – Une figure sans portrait' that examines the artistic motif of figures seen from behind. The show features approximately one hundred works spanning from the 16th century to contemporary art, including pieces by artists such as Watteau, Vallotton, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Bettina Rheims. This exhibition investigates how this previously marginalized compositional element has evolved in Western art history, exploring themes of anonymity, narrative, and representation. The display will remain open until May 31.

Key facts

  • Exhibition focuses on artistic representations of figures viewed from behind
  • Features about 100 works from the 16th century to present day
  • Includes works by Watteau, Vallotton, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Bettina Rheims
  • Examines how this motif challenges traditional portrait identification
  • Runs until May 31 at Musée des Franciscaines in Deauville

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Musée des Franciscaines

Locations

  • Deauville

Sources