Kimbell Acquires Chardin’s “The Cut Melon” (1760)

Kimbell Acquires Chardin’s “The Cut Melon” (1760)

One of the artist’s most important paintings, which remained in legendary private collections until now, to go on view to the public Thursday, May 22 May 21, 2025   FORT WORTH, TX—The Kimbell Art Museum announced today the acquisition of The Cut Melon by Jean Siméon Chardin. Dated 1760, The Cut Melon has long been recognized as one of the artist’s most remarkable paintings—rare in its oval shape and exemplifying Chardin’s mastery at its peak. Th…

Kimbell Art Museum acquires rare Chardin painting previously caught in legal dispute

The Kimbell Art Museum has acquired a rare 18th-century French painting previously caught at the center of a lawsuit between an international auction house and a private buyer. The Fort Worth art institution has added “The Cut Melon” by Jean Siméon Chardin to its permanent collection. Dated 1760, the painting has long been celebrated for its oval shape — which was rare in the French artist’s catalog. The Kimbell declined to disclose the price it…