Musée Granet

The Musée Granet in Aix-en-Provence is a treasure trove of art, archaeology, and decorative arts, nestled in the heart of this charming French city. Opened to the public in 1838, the museum has undergone several renovations since the 1990s to ensure the optimal display of its rich permanent collections. Regularly hosting temporary exhibitions, the Musée Granet offers a dynamic cultural experience for art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

The History of Musée Granet

The origins of the Musée Granet date back to 1828 when it was first established in the priory of the Saint-Jean-de-Malte church. The museum was officially inaugurated in 1838. Over the years, the museum complex expanded with the addition of the Granet wing in 1860, followed by further expansions in 1870 and 1900, culminating in a significant enlargement around 1940. Major renovations from 1990 to 2005 have transformed the museum into a modern exhibition space while preserving its historical essence.

The Building

The museum's architecture is a blend of historical and modern elements. The original structure, part of the Saint-Jean-de-Malte priory, provides a historical backdrop to the museum's extensive collections. The subsequent expansions and renovations have seamlessly integrated new spaces, creating a harmonious environment that enhances the visitor experience.

The Collections

The Musée Granet's collections are a testament to the dedication and passion of its benefactors. The original collection comprised mainly antiquities gathered by Fauris de Saint-Vincens in the late 18th century. In 1849, the museum received a significant boost with the donation of paintings and drawings by the painter François Marius Granet, a native of Aix-en-Provence. This donation included 200 drawings that were selected for the Louvre Museum.

Subsequent donations have enriched the museum's holdings. In 1863, Jean-Baptiste de Bourguignon de Fabregoules bequeathed over 800 works of art. In 1984, the French national museums deposited nine works by Paul Cézanne, ensuring that the master of Aix was well-represented in the museum's collection. The 20th century saw further additions, including significant works from the donation of Philippe Meyer, a private collector and physicist.

Archaeology

The Musée Granet's archaeological collection features artifacts from excavations in the Aix region, particularly from the oppidum of Entremont. These pieces provide a fascinating glimpse into the ancient history of the area.

Sculpture

The sculpture gallery showcases works from various periods, including a marble mask of a woman by Francesco Laurana and sculptures by Alberto Giacometti, such as Femme de Venise III. A notable piece is the marble bust of François Marius Granet by the Lyon sculptor Jean-François Legendre-Héral, acquired by the museum in 1895. Among the 20th-century sculptures, L'Homme qui chavire by Alberto Giacometti is a highlight, on loan from the Musée d'Orsay.

Egyptian Collection

The Musée Granet boasts a rich Egyptian collection, primarily assembled in the 19th century through donations and bequests. This collection reflects the interests of Aix's scholars, with contributions from notable figures such as Fauris de Saint-Vincent, François Sallier, François-Marius Granet, and Jean-Baptiste Bourguignon de Fabregoules. The collection includes reliefs, steles, statues, amulets, vases, sarcophagi, and mummies, offering a comprehensive view of Egyptian civilization. Among the masterpieces are the sarcophagus of Ptahirdis and the stele of Isetemdinakht.

Painting

The painting collection at the Musée Granet spans from the 14th to the 20th century. The section of early paintings includes works by Flemish and Dutch masters such as the Master of Flémalle (Virgin of Glory, 1430), Rembrandt (Self-Portrait with Beret), Rubens (two portraits), Jacob Jordaens, and Gabriel Metsu. The Italian school is represented by works from artists like Guercino, Onofrio Palumbo, Bernardo Strozzi, Daniele Crespi, Pietro da Cortona, Mattia Preti, Giovanni Battista Piazzetta (The Abduction of Helen), and Francesco Guardi. The French school includes pieces by the Le Nain brothers (The Card Players), Pierre Puget, Lubin Baugin (The Nativity of the Virgin), Nicolas Mignard, Louis Cretey, Joseph Parrocel, Hyacinthe Rigaud, Nicolas de Largillierre, Jean Siméon Chardin, Hubert Robert (Roman Ruins, Washerwomen), and Alexandre Charles Guillemot (King René Signing a Letter of Grace, 1824; The Christ Appearing to the Three Marys, 1831).

The 19th and 20th-century section features works by Jacques-Louis David (Portrait of a Young Boy), Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres (Jupiter and Thetis), and one of the most important collections of paintings by François Marius Granet. Other notable artists include Théodore Géricault, Émile Bernard, Paul Cézanne (with nine paintings including Apotheosis of Delacroix, Bathers, Portrait of Madame Cézanne), Maurice Denis, André Masson, Pablo Picasso (Woman on the Balcony), Fernand Léger, Alberto Giacometti, Piet Mondrian, Paul Klee, Balthus, Giorgio Morandi, Bram van Velde, and Nicolas de Staël.

Granet XXe

Since 2013, the nearby Chapelle des Pénitents blancs, a historical monument, serves as an annex of the museum under the name Granet XXe. This space is dedicated to the 20th-century works deposited by the Planque Foundation, featuring pieces by Pablo Picasso, Paul Cézanne, Claude Monet, and Jean Dubuffet.

Temporary Exhibitions

The Musée Granet is renowned for its temporary exhibitions, which have included notable shows such as Picasso Cézanne in 2009, Collection Planque: The Example of Cézanne in 2011, and Icons of America: Masterpieces from SFMOMA and the Fisher Collection in 2015. These exhibitions provide fresh perspectives and new insights into the world of art, making each visit to the museum a unique experience.

In conclusion, the Musée Granet is not just a museum; it's a journey through time and art, offering visitors a chance to explore the rich cultural heritage of Aix-en-Provence and beyond. Whether you're an art aficionado or a casual visitor, the Musée Granet promises an enriching and unforgettable experience.