Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, joined Brigitte Macron, wife of French President Emmanuel Macron, for a cultural rendezvous at Paris’s renowned Orsay Museum on Monday afternoon.
Brigitte Macron warmly greeted Peng Liyuan at the museum’s entrance. The two first ladies embarked on a private tour of the “Paris 1874 Inventing Impressionism” exhibition, showcasing masterpieces by iconic artists such as Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
Amidst the vibrant strokes and captivating canvases, the two paused frequently to admire the Impressionist classics, sharing their reflections on the artworks. Peng Liyuan remarked on the shared appreciation for art between the Chinese and French peoples, expressing hope for increased cultural exchanges to deepen mutual understanding.
“I hope artists from our countries will strengthen exchanges and inspire one another to create more exquisite works of art,” Peng stated, highlighting the potential for collaborative creativity.
In the museum’s grand hall, the first ladies engaged with French students immersed in cultural studies. The students eagerly shared their experiences of learning Chinese and their affection for Chinese culture. Peng encouraged them to continue their language studies and consider visiting China to gain a broader perspective.
“I hope you will become little envoys of China-France friendship,” Peng said, “building bridges of communication so our friendship continues for generations.”
Established in 1986, the Orsay Museum is a French national treasure, housing the world’s richest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
