Musée de la Chartreuse de Douai

The Musée de la Chartreuse de Douai, nestled in the charming town of Douai in Northern France, is a treasure trove of art and history that promises to captivate visitors with its rich collection and stunning architecture. Known locally as the Musée de la Chartreuse, this museum is housed in a series of historic buildings that date back to the Renaissance and Baroque periods. With over 10,000 works of art, the Musée de la Chartreuse de Douai offers a fascinating journey through European art from the Middle Ages to the modern era.

The Historical Tapestry of the Musée de la Chartreuse de Douai

The origins of the Musée de la Chartreuse de Douai can be traced back to the 16th century when Jacques d'Abancourt built the Hôtel d'Abancourt on the site of the Colombier house. This Renaissance-style building, with its characteristic blend of stone and brick and a distinctive round tower, was later expanded by Jean de Montmorency in 1608, who added a square tower and additional structures in the same style. In 1623, the property was acquired by the Premonstratensians from Furnes, and in 1662 it was sold to the Carthusians, who established the Chartreuse Saints-Joseph-et-Morand de Douai. The Carthusians remained active here until the French Revolution.

During their tenure, the Carthusians made significant additions to the complex, including the chapter house, the small cloister in 1663, the refectory in 1687, and the prior's building in 1690. They also constructed a grand cloister and cells on adjacent land, which were demolished in the 19th century, and a Jesuit-style chapel between 1700 and 1722, which has yet to be fully restored. Following the Revolution, the complex was repurposed as a military building and suffered damage from bombings in 1944. In 1951, the city of Douai purchased the site and began converting it into a museum, officially opening its doors in 1958.

Exploring the Architectural Marvels

The Musée de la Chartreuse de Douai is a harmonious blend of architectural styles from different periods. On the left, visitors will find the Hôtel d'Abancourt-Montmorency, a fine example of Flemish Renaissance architecture built between 1559 and 1608. The Carthusian church, constructed in the early 18th century in a classical style, features a vast nave and five side chapels. Following a six-year restoration campaign, the church now showcases a collection of 19th-century sculptures and various art objects, including medieval goldsmithery and a series of bronzes and terracotta works by Jean de Bologne, a native of Douai.

An Art Collection Spanning Centuries

The museum's collection is vast and varied, with over 10,000 works of art spanning from the Middle Ages to the modern era. The paintings are displayed chronologically, allowing visitors to trace the evolution of European art across centuries. The Flemish and Dutch schools are particularly well-represented, with notable works by artists such as the Master of the Manna, Jean Bellegambe, Jan van Scorel, Marinus van Reymerswaele, Cornelis van Haarlem, Hans von Aachen, Jan Sanders van Hemessen, Hendrick Goltzius, Abraham Govaerts, Joos de Momper, Salomon de Bray, Jacob Jordaens, Jan Fyt, Pieter Jansz Saenredam, Abraham Mignon, David Teniers the Younger, Gerrit Berckheyde, Jacob van Ruisdael, and Jan Weenix.

Italian art is also well-represented, with works by Gherardo Starnina, Luca Cambiaso, Giorgio Vasari, Paul Véronèse, Ludovico Carracci, Cavalier d'Arpin, Pietro della Vecchia, Gioacchino Assereto, Giovanni Francesco Romanelli, Alessandro Magnasco, and Giovanni Paolo Pannini. The French collection includes masterpieces by Charles Le Brun, François de Troy, Nicolas de Largillierre, Jean-Marc Nattier, Jean Siméon Chardin, and Jean-Baptiste Greuze.

The museum's 19th-century collection features works by renowned artists such as Jacques-Louis David, Eugène Delacroix, Gustave Courbet, Pierre Billet, Louis-Léopold Boilly, Eugène Fromentin, Jean-Baptiste Corot, Eugène Boudin, Johan Barthold Jongkind, Armand Guillaumin, Hector Hanoteau, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Alfred Sisley, Camille Pissarro, Henri-Edmond Cross, Eugène Carrière, and Albert Lebourg. The 20th-century collection includes pieces by Maurice Denis, Raoul Dufy, Othon Friesz, Pierre Bonnard, and Robert Bouquillon.

Highlights of the Collection

Among the many treasures housed in the Musée de la Chartreuse de Douai, several standout works include Saint Jerome Penitent by Bartholomaeus Bruyn the Elder, The Deposition from the Cross by Giorgio Vasari, Portrait of a Woman by Paul Véronèse, Saint Jerome Meditating by Marinus van Reymerswaele, The Flagellation of Christ by Ludovico Carracci, The Virgin Protectress of the Cistercians by Jehan Bellegambe, Reflection by Gustave Courbet, Winter Night in Artois by Émile Breton, The Rose Garden in Monaco by Henri-Edmond Cross, The Moor's Oven by Henri-Edmond Cross, Haystack on the Banks of the Loing by Alfred Sisley, and The Friends of Fontvieille by Félix Labisse.

The museum also conserves two MNR (Musées Nationaux Récupération) paintings: Village Festival by Adriaen Brouwer and Dead Hare by Jan Fyt. These works were recovered after being displaced during the world wars.

Temporary Exhibitions and Events

The Musée de la Chartreuse de Douai regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that explore various themes and artists. Past exhibitions have included monographic shows on Henri Le Sidaner, Léon Spilliaert, and Edmond Aman-Jean, as well as thematic exhibitions on subjects such as the economic history of Douai, the art of the circus, Byzantine icons, the orfèvres of Lille, and the Baroque in Flanders. These exhibitions provide an opportunity to delve deeper into specific aspects of art history and discover new perspectives on familiar works.

In conclusion, the Musée de la Chartreuse de Douai is not just a museum; it is a journey through time and art, housed in a setting that is itself a testament to the rich history of Douai. Whether you are an art aficionado or a casual visitor, the museum offers a captivating experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.