Frankenthaler and Bassano
About the exhibition
One enduring story. Two extraordinary visions.
In 1972, American artist Helen Frankenthaler first saw 'The Flight into Egypt’ (1544–45), painted by Jacopo Bassano more than four centuries earlier. Inspiration struck immediately.
Painted in rich, vivid colours, Bassano's extravagant artwork captured Mary and Joseph's escape to Egypt in all its deeply human moments. From his northern Italian workshop, Bassano created a painting that would speak across the centuries.
Frankenthaler made an abstract response titled 'Hint from Bassano' in 1973. Using her signature 'soak-stain' technique, she swept ethereal shades of orange, green and blue across the canvas, echoing the colours and movement of Bassano's painting in surprising ways.
Now, for the very first time, see these two monumental works side by side at the National Gallery. Stand before them and trace a remarkable artistic journey from the Italian Renaissance to American modernism.
Visit 'Frankenthaler and Bassano' for free in summer 2027. Admire the work of two pioneering artists separated by 400 years but united by the limitless possibilities of paint.
