When out of context, art can easily be dismissed by the casual museum goer. The new exhibit at Mia (formerly known as Minneapolis Institute of Art) the work of Eugene Delacroix, a 19th century French painter, aims to show how his work had a profound affect on the modern painters. The exhibit gives viewers a visual tour through his work, illustrating his influence on modern painters and the changing western art world.  Works by Van Gogh, Gauguin, Cézanne and more are displayed in the context of Delacroix’s influence

The exhibit divides Delacroix’s work into themes, examining his work compared to contemporaries and younger artists in side by side comparisons. Viewing a single theme together, such as religious works, allows the viewer to see the works progress from strict academic painting to Delacroix’s more emotional style to van Gogh’s thick emotional brushstrokes. Delacroix’s influence on the younger artist style is shown in early works of Degas and Manet, including copies done by these artists of Delacroix’s work.

Included is Mia’s own “Olive Trees” by Vincent Van Gogh. This piece is put in a new light when viewed with a contemporary Gauguin piece and the earlier Delacroix painting that inspired his style. The exhibit includes a few other works from Mia’s collection, giving a new perspective on pieces more familiar with frequent visitors.

The exhibit shows Delacroix’s influence into the early 20th century. The exhibit ends with works by Matisse and Kandinsky, showing Delacroix’s long influence.

Delacroix’s Influence: The Rise of Modern Art from Cézanne to van Gogh is open until January 10, tickets cost $20 (the rest of the museum is free, as usual).