The inaugural art show of 2026 led me to an extensive exhibition at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco, highlighting the camaraderie between in-laws Berthe Morisot and Édouard Manet. This event seemed an auspicious beginning to the year, filled with promises of friendship, exchange, and artistic growth. Throughout history, tales abound of notable artistic alliances and rivalries, such as Manet’s interactions with Degas and the intricate relationship between Matisse and Picasso, the latter showcased at The Met in 2023.
Our London critic, Michael Glover, remains skeptical about whether the Tate Britain’s exhibition rightfully labels the relationship between J.M.W. Turner and John Constable as a ‘rivalry.’ Ever sharp, he questions the authenticity behind such claims: ‘Is there any truth in it? Or is it a crude PR exercise to lure us through the door?’ In any case, may this year bring us the discernment to differentiate between genuine artistic narratives and marketing ploys. Have a wonderful Wednesday! —Lakshmi Rivera Amin, associate editor
J.M.W. Turner and John Constable are often seen as defining figures of English art as the 19th century dawned, but what, if anything, do they share in common? Michael Glover offers his insights.
