Suzon, a barmaid in a Parisian beer hall, has mystified art critics ever since they laid eyes on Edouard Manet's A Bar At The Folies-Bergère in 1882 at the annual fine arts exhibition in Paris. There are two often discussed elements of Manet's last major work: the inaccuracy of Suzon's reflection in the mirror behind her (the reflection is shifted too far to the right), and the mustachioed man looming in front of her mirror image, but not depicted in her reality.
London’s Courtauld Gallery has the honor of owning this canvas, one of the world's most priceless paintings, where it remains on permanent display along with other remarkable works by Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masters like Degas, Gauguin, Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh—to name a notable few. Courtauld Gallery also holds the largest collection of Cézannes in the United Kingdom.
What more might you find hidden in Manet's mirror, or by studying the isolated face front and center in Van Gogh's notorious self-portrait?
Just a two-minute walk from One Aldwych, the Courtauld Gallery, one of London's must-see art collections, offers guests of the hotel a private guided tour of their unrivaled holdings of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works. The intimate tour, away from the crowds, is viewer's choice: elect to focus entirely on Impressionism, or opt for an overview of the highlights of Courtauld's astonishing collection.
Whatever you choose, there is so much to unearth. What might you find hidden in Manet's mirror in A Bar, or by studying the isolated face front and center in yet another famous work–Vincent van Gogh's Self Portrait With Bandaged Ear? Or in any one of the gallery's 530 paintings and more than 26,000 drawings and prints?
With an expert docent by your side and equipped with your own curiosity, prepare to discover each story hidden behind the brushstrokes.
To learn more about One Aldwych, or to book a private guided tour of Courtauld Gallery, contact the concierge upon making a reservation.
