From October 8, 2025 to January 26, 2026, the Musée de l’Orangerie pays tribute to Berthe Weill, a pioneering and long-forgotten figure in the modern art market.
The first woman gallerist to exhibit Picasso, Matisse and Modigliani, she helped launch an entire generation of avant-garde artists in a Paris brimming with creative energy.
Private collection ©Jana Hojstričová
A Pioneer Championing Young Artists
In 1901, Berthe Weill opened her gallery on rue Victor-Massé, just steps from Montmartre. Guided by her motto “Place aux jeunes!” (“Make room for the young!”), she tirelessly supported emerging talent.
She promoted the Fauves, the Cubists, and several women artists such as Émilie Charmy, Suzanne Valadon, and Hermine David, at a time when the art world remained dominated by men.
“Even if I have to eat bricks, I will never do something that displeases me!” — Berthe Weill, Pan! dans l’œil… (1933)
The Exhibition: Restoring a Forgotten Legacy
Running from October 8, 2025 to January 26, 2026, the exhibition brings together nearly 80 works — paintings, sculptures, and drawings — by artists Weill championed:
- Pablo Picasso, The Blue Room (1901)
- Henri Matisse, First Orange Still Life (1899)
- Amedeo Modigliani, Nude with Coral Necklace (1917)
- Suzanne Valadon, The Blue Room (1923)
- Raoul Dufy, Thirty Years or Life in Pink (1931)
The seven themed sections — “I buy the first three Picassos …,” “Our Lady of the Fauves,” “What’s wrong with those nudes ?” — trace the life of a visionary, bold and free-spirited gallerist.
A Woman Who Defied Adversity
Jewish, independent, and without wealth, Berthe Weill fought against sexism, antisemitism, and financial hardship.
Her unwavering commitment helped shape the major art movements of the 20th century — from Fauvism to Cubism — while paving the way for other women art dealers to come.
Around the Exhibition
- Illustrated catalogue (Musée d’Orsay × Flammarion) — 208 pages, €39
- New edition of Pan! dans l’œil… — Bartillat Publishers, €20
- Study Day: Women Art Dealers Through History, November 25 2025
- Audioguide narrated by Catherine Ringer
- Guided tours every Friday and Saturday
Practical Information
📍 Musée de l’Orangerie — Jardin des Tuileries, Paris
📅 October 8, 2025 → January 26, 2026
🎫 Tickets: Full €10 • Reduced €6 • Audioguide €5
🌐 www.musee-orangerie.fr
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FAQ – Berthe Weill : A Trailblazing Gallerist
Who was Berthe Weill?
Berthe Weill (1865-1951) was the first female gallerist in modern art history. She discovered Picasso, Matisse and Modigliani and championed avant-garde artists for over four decades.
Which major works are on view?
The exhibition features The Blue Room by Picasso, First Orange Still Life by Matisse, Nude with Coral Necklace by Modigliani, and The Blue Room by Suzanne Valadon, among 80 works in total.
Why is this exhibition important?
It restores to history a trailblazing figure — a pioneer of feminism and modern art dealing — who supported over 300 artists between 1901 and 1941 but was largely forgotten after her death.
Where and when can you visit?
At the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris (1st arrondissement), from October 8, 2025 to January 26, 2026. Tickets available on www.musee-orangerie.fr.
Is there a catalogue available?
Yes — a bilingual catalogue co-published by Flammarion and the Musée d’Orsay, 208 pages, €39, in bookstores from September 24, 2025.
Want to see more ?
👉 Order ART MAG N°29
👉 Subscribe to 6 issues / 1 year
👉 Give ART MAG as a gift