Hanoi (VNA) – Madame Ngo Phuong Ly, spouse of Party General Secretary To Lam, hosted Madame Brigitte Macron, spouse of French President Emmanuel Macron, at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum on May 26 as part of the ongoing state visit to Vietnam by the French couple.
Within the museum's curated galleries, Madame Ly introduced the French guest through an impressive collection that reflects Vietnam's cultural identity and historical depth. The centrepiece of their tour featured nine of Vietnam's national treasures, each piece telling a story of the nation's artistic evolution spanning centuries.
Among the most remarkable artifacts were the 17th-century statue of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara – the Buddhist goddess of mercy, standing alongside the statue of Queen Trinh Thi Ngoc Truc. The collection also showcased masterpieces of modern Vietnamese fine arts, including works by renowned artists To Ngoc Van and Tran Van Can, whose pieces demonstrate the seamless blend of traditional techniques with contemporary expression.
The ladies expressed their impression on Can's iconic portrait "Em Thuy" (Little Thuy), a painting that has transcended its status as mere artwork to become a symbol of Vietnamese cultural beauty.
They also explored the beauty of the standing screen by master artist Nguyen Gia Tri. This eight-panel masterpiece demonstrates a harmonious blend of Western and traditional art.
Mrs. Macron expressed admiration for the displayed works throughout the visit. She graciously thanked Mrs. Ly for the warm reception and the opportunity to experience Vietnam's rich cultural heritage./.
