They are currently on show at Beijing's World Art Museum. Its curator Wang Limei flew to Mexico last year to select exhibits from Simon's private collection of more than three thousand art works. Wang said at the show's opening ceremony on Friday that she was touched by Mr. Simon's generosity after he allowed her to choose whatever she wanted for the exhibition.

Aesthetic rigor and careful selection, as well as the unique personality and tastes of the collection's owner, are characteristics that define the Perez Simon collection.

Among its particular traits are themes of female beauty, nature, and scenes from daily life that juxtapose earthy pleasures with the fleeting nature of existence. A fascination with the use of light and color can also be observed, principally in the transition from academic painting to modern art.

"From Academia to Impressionism – Master Pieces of the 19th century European paintings" is currently taking over Beijing's art scene. (Photo: CCTV.com)