Misia Sert was a muse and fervent supporter of the arts in an era of great cultural creativity, the early 20^th century.  She had a long association with Sergei Diaghilev, involved in all creative aspects of the Ballets Russes, from friendships with its dancers, to input on costume designs, to choreography. Through the years she supplied funds for the often financially distressed ballet company. On the opening night of Petrushka, she came to the rescue with the 4000 francs needed to prevent repossession of the costumes.

Orientalism, Chinoiserie and Japonisme is the topic of DFASinMalta's next lecture on Thursday 11 April. Japonisme affected fine arts, sculpture, architecture, as well as the performing arts and decorative arts throughout Western Culture The term is used particularly to refer to Japanese influence on European art, especially in the Impressionist period.

At a time when few people could travel outside their own countries, artists began to borrow from the art of Japan, China and the Orient, incorporating it into their works and bringing about a new style in architecture, painting, textiles, furniture and interior design.  Most famously, artists such as Monet, Degas and Whistler included Asian design into their paintings.  When Van Goh painted Portrait du Père Tanguy, he reproduced some of his own collection of Japanese prints into the backround.  Fascinated with the art of Asia, and a specialist in the study of Japanese art and artis

As you contemplate the works of the world’s great artists, have you ever wondered why the centuries-old paintings still look so fresh?  The work of skilled restorers such as Julia Korner, DFASinMalta’s next guest lecturer.  Ms.