Le Musée des Beaux-Arts Antoine Lécuyer

"Located in the heart of the city, the Musée des Beaux-Arts was founded in the mid-19th century, but really took off in 1877, when Antoine Lécuyer, a Picard banker, wished to collect and exhibit the studio holdings of pastellist Maurice-Quentin de La Tour (1704 ? 1788), and bequeathed his collections to the city, as well as his townhouse, to the great cause of Art. Spotted by Louis de Boullogne, then first painter to King Louis XV - who suggested he make pastel on paper his preferred technique? Maurice Quentin de La Tour made a lasting impression in 1735 with an elegant portrait of the author Voltaire, wearing a mischievous smile. Although the painting has now disappeared, the sketches are preserved at the Musée des Beaux-Arts. The museum?s permanent collection showcases the works and techniques of the illustrious portraitist from Saint-Quentin, in a sober, intelligent scenography that reveals every detail. To ensure the perfect conservation of Quentin de La Tour?s fragile, light-sensitive works, the museum?s teams are reinventing their exhibition space. Thus, in December 2022, the three pastel rooms will undergo a complete makeover, immersing visitors in the history of this graphic art form, from the Age of Enlightenment to the modern artists of the 20th century. A fitting way to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the reopening of the museum after the fatal destruction suffered during the Great War. The virtuosity of the pastellist is revealed under the subdued lighting of the salons, where each face betrays a very particular expression, a frozen sneer or a glimmer of mischief in the depths of the eye, revealing a deeper temperament, highlighted by the talents and insight of the portraitist. The museum also boasts a brilliant selection of Italian, Nordic and French paintings (dating from the 17th to 20th centuries), as well as exceptional sculptures, drawings and furniture in its permanent collections. The museum offers a wide range of guided tours and lectures throughout the year. Musical and poetic events, concerts and other strolls punctuate the lively life of the museum. Don?t hesitate to ask at the Tourist Office reception desk, or to consult the online catalog of activities (Musée des Beaux-Arts program), which will delight every enthusiast, child and adult alike. " For the Tourist Office, Cannelle ANGLADE, Journalist. In 2024, the Musée des Beaux-Arts Antoine Lécuyer invites you to discover two completely renovated rooms on the 1st floor, dedicated to the theme of landscape and its history. Please feel free to consult the Guide to the collections of the Musée des Beaux-Arts Antoine Lécuyer, published by Editions Faton and designed to promote the museum's works.