Pécheux in Chambéry: the winds of Aeolus and the ravages of Time

21/11/25 - Acquisition and restoration - Chambéry, Musée des Beaux-Arts - One more! The Musée de Chambéry has pre-empted a painting by Laurent Pécheux, knocked down for 8,500 euros hammer in the Métayer-Mermoz sale of 23 November in Nevers (ill. 1). Already on the market in the past, it had found no buyer at Piasa in 2015 nor at Aguttes in 2016; it must be said that its estimate was then much higher. It now joins, within the collections, three works by the artist acquired by the museum since 2018 (see the articles), in addition to those given by King Victor Emmanuel II of Savoy in 1850, when Chambéry belonged to the Kingdom of Sardinia.

1. Laurent Pécheux (1729-1821)
Air or Juno Asks Aeolus to Stir the Winds Against Aeneas’ Fleet and Provoke the Storm, 1804
Oil on canvas – 126 x 184.5 cm
Chambéry, Musée des Beaux-Arts
Photo: Métayer-Mermoz

See the image in its page

Painted in 1804, this large-format canvas evokes Pécheux’s final years. It depicts Air, embodied by Aeolus, whom Juno visits, full of resentment and anger against Aeneas. Thus begins the narrative of the Aeneid: the fleet of the Trojan hero was approaching Italy, to the great displeasure of the goddess who, accompanied by the beautiful Deiopea, succeeded in convincing the god of the winds to unleash a dreadful storm.
“No sooner said than done: with the point of his reversed spear, Aeolus strikes the hollow flank of the mountain; the winds, drawn up in battle order, pour through the open gate and sweep in whirlwinds over the land. They have fallen upon the sea, wholly heaved from its depths by [the winds] the Eurus and the Notus, joined by the Africus, rich in squalls, while enormous waves break toward the shores. Straightaway arise the cries of the men and the creaking of the rigging. The clouds suddenly hide the sky and the light of day from the eyes of the Trojans.".

2. Laurent Pécheux (1729-1821)
Fire or Venus asking Vulcan for Arms for Aeneas, 1803
Oil on…