Musée des beaux-arts de Mulhouse

Located in the heart of Mulhouse, France, the Musée des beaux-arts de Mulhouse is a treasure trove of European art, nestled within the historic Villa Steinbach. This 18th-century mansion, with its elegant facade and charming courtyard, provides the perfect backdrop for an exploration of artistic masterpieces spanning from the late Middle Ages to contemporary times.

A Rich Historical Tapestry

The Musée des beaux-arts de Mulhouse has a fascinating history that intertwines with the industrial and cultural development of the city. Mulhouse, having rejoined France in 1798, experienced significant industrial growth in the 19th century. However, unlike other burgeoning cities, it lacked a significant museum or art collection. This changed in 1864 when Frédéric Engel-Dollfus, a wealthy collector and son-in-law of Jean Dollfus, the head of the DMC company, took the initiative to establish a museum. He donated sixteen paintings and persuaded the Société industrielle de Mulhouse (SIM), the city, and other local art enthusiasts to contribute to the burgeoning collection.

Despite initial setbacks, including the Franco-Prussian War and subsequent German annexation, the museum found its first home in a building constructed by the Société industrielle in 1883. This building now houses the Musée de l'Impression sur Étoffes. The museum's collection grew rapidly, boasting nearly 600 paintings, 300 drawings, and a plethora of sculptures and prints by 1922. However, World War II brought destruction and loss, with many works damaged or lost during the bombings of 1944.

The museum was reborn in 1958 when it became a municipal entity. The city of Mulhouse allocated the Villa Steinbach as its new home. This villa, built in 1788 for textile manufacturer Jean Vetter and later owned by industrialist Georges Steinbach, has a storied past. It has served various purposes, including a technological museum, a business school, and a historical museum, before becoming the Musée des beaux-arts de Mulhouse in 1964. The building underwent extensive renovations between 1982 and 1985, and since 1999, admission to the museum has been free.

Exploring the Permanent Collections

The Musée des beaux-arts de Mulhouse's permanent collection is a journey through time and artistic styles, with a particular emphasis on the 19th century and regional artists. The first-floor galleries offer a chronological exploration of art, beginning with medieval works and progressing through the Renaissance, Baroque, and into the 19th century.

Medieval and Renaissance Art

The museum's medieval collection includes stained glass from the Saint-Étienne Temple, sculptures, and painted wooden panels, such as the Lösel Altarpiece, which depicts the Resurrection of Christ and other religious scenes. The Renaissance period is represented by notable works like the Double Bust of Bishops by Veit Wagner, showcasing the earliest examples of portrait art in the museum. Other highlights include Venus and Cupid, once attributed to Lucas Cranach, and Saint Catherine Receiving the Stigmata, reflecting the era's evolving perspective techniques.

17th and 18th Century Masterpieces

The 17th and 18th centuries bring a rich array of works to the museum, including Pieter Brueghel the Younger's Skating Scene and Jacob van Ruisdael's Forest Entrance. The Italian Baroque period is vividly represented by Giovanni Ghisolfi's Thermae of Caracalla and Francesco Solimena's Assumption. French 18th-century art is showcased through decorative compositions and portraits, such as Hyacinthe Rigaud's portrait of banker Jabach and François Boucher's Judgment of Paris.

The 19th Century: A Flourishing of Styles

The 19th century is the museum's most extensive collection, reflecting the tastes of the bourgeoisie and featuring many Salon medalists. Landscapes by Alexandre Calame, Constant Troyon, and Gustave Courbet capture the pastoral and rustic beauty of the era. William Bouguereau's The Kiss of Flora and Zephyr exemplifies the academic style, while portraits by Jean-Jacques Henner, including those of his family and enigmatic red-haired women, add a personal touch.

Genre scenes, such as Martin Drolling's Seated Old Man and François Bonvin's Soup Maker, provide glimpses into everyday life. The allure of Orientalism is evident in vibrant compositions like Henri-Léopold Lévy's Bonaparte Entering the Mosque of Cairo and Charles-Théodore Frère's Camel Drivers in Cairo. Historical paintings, such as Victor Schnetz's dramatic Sack of Rome, round out this diverse collection.

Visiting the Musée des beaux-arts de Mulhouse

A visit to the Musée des beaux-arts de Mulhouse is not just an exploration of art but a journey through history and culture. The villa itself, with its elegant architecture and serene courtyard, offers a peaceful retreat in the bustling city. The museum's varied collections provide something for every art lover, from medieval religious art to 19th-century portraits and landscapes.

Whether you're a seasoned art aficionado or a curious traveler, the Musée des beaux-arts de Mulhouse promises a rich and rewarding experience. Its free admission policy makes it accessible to all, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty and history of European art. So, next time you find yourself in Mulhouse, make sure to step into the Villa Steinbach and discover the treasures of the Musée des beaux-arts de Mulhouse.