1. Late Rembrandt, National Gallery (15 Oct – Jan 18) (see image above)
Some achievements, and some exhibitions, are virtually beyond criticism, and this is one: a superb assortment of works by a supreme artist.
2. Anselm Kiefer, Royal Academy (Sept 27 – December 14)
A revelation – to the British public at least – that Kiefer is a great living artist, and above all a painter.
3. Henri Matisse: The Cut-Outs, Tate Modern (17 April – September 7)
In his old age Matisse was an invalid, confined to a wheel chair, but succeeded in escaping triumphantly into a world of exuberant light and form: this exhibition was a triumph too.
4. Pontormo & Rosso: Diverging Paths of Mannerism, Palazzo Strozzi, Florence (March 8 – July 20)
A superb twin survey of two the most intriguingly eccentric painters of 16th century Florence, one left feeling Rosso was a fascinating odd-ball, but Pontormo was a truly great painter.
5. Veronese: Magnificence in Renaissance Venice, National Gallery (March 19 – June 15)
There is something deliciously indulgent about Veronese. Even when the theme is sombre, he showed obvious pleasure in textiles, beautiful bodies and palatial architecture. Not for nothing were feasts one of his best subjects. This grand showing did justice to a slightly neglected master.
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