Musée des Beaux-Arts de Chambéry

Nestled in the heart of Chambéry, the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Chambéry is a treasure trove of artistic masterpieces and a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region. Housed in a grand building that once served as a grain market, this museum has undergone significant transformations over the years, culminating in its reopening in March 2012 after extensive renovations. Today, it stands as a beacon of art and history, inviting visitors to explore its vast and varied collections.

The History of the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Chambéry

The origins of the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Chambéry can be traced back to the generous bequests of private collectors. The museum's initial collection was established through the donation of the abbé de Mellarède, who bequeathed his entire personal collection. This initial donation laid the foundation for what would become a significant repository of art.

Subsequent contributions from other collectors, most notably the baron Garriod, a Savoyard collector based in Florence, enriched the museum's holdings. Garriod's donation of approximately 250 works included notable pieces such as the Virgin and Child by Pier Francesco Foschi and the Portrait of a Young Man, attributed to Domenico Veneziano. The museum's collection continued to grow under the stewardship of Benoît Molin, a painter and academician who directed the museum from 1850.

Italian Paintings

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Chambéry boasts the second-largest collection of Italian paintings in France, second only to the Louvre. This impressive collection spans several periods, including the Trecento, Quattrocento, Renaissance, Mannerism, and Baroque, and features works from the Florentine, Neapolitan, Sienese, and Bolognese schools.

Highlights from the Trecento include the polyptych altarpiece of the Holy Trinity (1396) by Bartolo di Fredi, part of the Paul Bourget collection. The Quattrocento is represented by works such as the Portrait of a Young Man (1440-1450) by Domenico Veneziano and the Triptych of the Passion (1450) by Domenico di Michelino. Other notable pieces include the Virgin and Child between Saint John the Baptist and Saint Anthony of Padua by Neroccio di Bartolomeo de' Landi and the Virgin and Child by Bernardino Fungai.

The museum's Mannerist collection features works such as The Virgin Appearing to a Carthusian by Innocenzo da Imola, Portrait of a Collector (1534) by Paolo Pino, and The Deposition of Christ by Stefano Pieri. The Baroque collection includes masterpieces like Dido on the Pyre, Judith and Holofernes, and The Death of Dido by Mattia Preti, as well as The Descent from the Cross by Francesco Solimena and The Astronomer by Luca Giordano.

French and Savoyard Paintings

The museum also houses an extensive collection of French and Savoyard paintings. The Savoyard collection features works by artists such as Xavier de Maistre, Tonia Cariffa, and Andrée Pollier. The French collection includes pieces by Jacquelin de Montluçon, Fragonard, Langlois, Jean-Baptiste Peytavin, Laurent Pécheux, Georges de La Tour, Jean Achard, and Albert Charpin.

Paintings from the Northern Schools

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Chambéry's collection of Northern European paintings includes works from the early 16th century. Notable pieces include The Adoration of the Magi, attributed to Jan van Dornicke, and The Flagellation of Christ by Anton von Worms, also known as Woensam.

Temporary Exhibitions

The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, showcasing a diverse range of artists and themes. Past exhibitions have featured works by Philippe Favier, Laurent Pécheux, Pierre Leloup, Patrick Faigenbaum, Françoise Petrovitch, Jean-Luc Parant, François Morellet, Anselme Boix-Vives, Romain Bernini, Otto Dix, André Jacques, Riccardo Gualino, and many others. These exhibitions provide visitors with an ever-changing array of artistic experiences and insights into different periods and styles.

Visiting the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Chambéry

A visit to the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Chambéry is a journey through centuries of artistic achievement. As you explore the museum's galleries, you'll encounter a rich tapestry of works that reflect the evolution of art from the Middle Ages to the modern era. The museum's impressive collection of Italian paintings alone is worth the visit, offering a unique opportunity to see works by some of the greatest artists of the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

In addition to its permanent collection, the museum's temporary exhibitions ensure that there is always something new and exciting to discover. Whether you're a seasoned art enthusiast or a casual visitor, the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Chambéry offers a captivating and enriching experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the world of art.

So, the next time you find yourself in Chambéry, make sure to set aside some time to explore this remarkable museum. With its rich history, stunning collections, and dynamic exhibitions, the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Chambéry is a cultural gem that should not be missed.