In the early 20th century, when Alberto Giacometti was still a student, the treasures of Pharaoh Akhenaton were unearthed. The discovery prompted news headlines and the ancients were suddenly in the spotlight. In 1920, Giacometti attended an exhibition in Florence and became enthralled with Egypt. He began visiting the Egyptian wings at the Louvre, sketching antiquities, and thumbing through history books on Ancient Egypt. Like Egyptian statues, Giacometti’s gaunt figures stride forward, representing motion, the essence of life. This exhibition pairs emblematic works by Giacometti with art from Egypt’s Amarna Period, on loan from the Louvre. The similarities are striking. —E.C.
Fondation Giacometti 3 Cour de Rohan, 75006 Paris, France Get Directions »