Arts in France during the times of Charles VII (1422-1461)

1. Pierart Rasoir (documented between 1455 and 1464)
Monstrance, c. 1457-1461
Silver and silver gilt - 53 x 41.5 x 15.5 cm
Hal,Basilique Saint-Martin
Photo: Musée de Cluny

See the image in its page

Twenty years after the rich exhibition "Paris 1400. Arts under the times of Charles VI" organised at the Louvre in 2004, the Musée de Cluny has been able to take up the torch by offering as broad a panorama as possible of artistic creation in the 14th century. This time, however, the focus is on the reign of his successor, to whom the four curators attribute "the artistic reconquest of the kingdom". Visitors are strongly encouraged to follow their lead: never before have so many masterpieces been brought together under the august vaults of the frigidarium, which at once seems too narrow for such an ambitious project, which is fortunately carried through to perfection in the solid catalogue, where detailed notes on each object follow a host of fascinating essays. For novices, it’s a delightful discovery, for specialists and enthusiasts a welcome overview, and for everyone an exhibition that’s as enjoyable as it is rewarding, and well worth several visits!

2. View of the exhibition "The Arts in France during the times of Charles VII" at the Musée de Cluny, with the fragment of the Royal Canopy and the portrait of the monarch.
Photo: Alexandre Lafore

See the image in its page

While most of the works on display are well known and published, some are rarely seen - think of the many manuscripts - or kept abroad, such as the superb monstrance donated by the Dauphin Louis (ill. 1) to the sanctuary at Hal, which evokes both Charles VII’s successor and the goldsmiths and silversmiths of the time, of which, of course, only meagre vestiges remain, including this eminent piece, which the French public is fortunate enough to be able to admire again in our country, two years after the Beaune exhibition (see article). The comparisons proposed are always relevant, allowing us to admire side-by-side the exceptional canopy of Charles VII, miraculously reappeared and acquired by the Louvre in the process (see the news item of 17/9/10), and the best-known effigy of this monarch, his celebrated portrait painted by Jean Fouquet: usually kept in different rooms of the museum, due to the history of the collections, they welcome visitors together, who are irresistibly drawn to these two pieces as soon as they enter!

3. View of the "Arts in France during the times of Charles VII" exhibition at the Musée de Cluny, with the stained glass windows in the south rose window of Saint-Maurice cathedral in Angers.
Photo: Alexandre Lafore

See the image in its page

4. Master of Rohan and workshop
Rohan Hours, c. 1430-1435
Illumination on parchment - 29 x 20 cm
Paris, Bibliothèque nationale
Photo: BnF

See the image in its page

The seductive diversity of the works presented at the Musée de Cluny is…