Origins and history of the museum
Established in 1860, the Musée de Melun occupies the Hôtel de la Vicomté. This building, located at 5, rue du Franc Mûrier, 77000 Melun, sits upon the Île Saint-Etienne. The architecture of the site reflects the historical layers of the region, with the structure itself dating back to the 16th or 17th century. Such a setting provides a quiet backdrop for the preservation of local and regional history.
The collections held within these walls trace a specific chronological path. They cover three distinct periods: Antiquity, the era from the Middle Ages to the Revolution, and the 19th century. This selection allows for a continuous observation of how art and material culture evolved through these eras. The museum remains a steady presence in the heart of Melun, maintaining its role as a repository for the city's development.
Artistic collections and major works
The collections within these walls reflect a breadth of artistic expression, spanning from the classical to the nineteenth century. A significant presence is felt through the works of Henri Chapu, a sculptor of considerable importance during his era. His influence is felt alongside the contributions of Cassagne, whose presence helps define the museum's aesthetic character. These works exist as physical presences that anchor the historical narrative of the region.
The painted works offer a study in light and character. A glass vase holding flowers, set upon a marble ledge with a metal mounted foot, dates from about 1675 and carries the hand of Willem Van Aelst. Nearby, the portrait of Maria Machtelt Wolfsen, created about 1650, presents a quiet gaze from the mid-seventeenth century. These pieces allow for a close observation of technique and the specificities of their respective periods.
Sculpture and historical themes also find their place here. Jean Baptiste Mauzaisse contributed L'Arioste Respected by Brigands in 1817, a work that brings a sense of narrative to the space. The museum's holdings include:
- Flowers in a glass vase with metal mounted foot on a marble ledge, about 1675 - Willem Van Aelst
- Portrait of Maria Machtelt Wolfsen, about 1650 - Aleijda Wolfsen
- L'Arioste Respected by Brigands, 1817 - Jean Baptiste Mauzaisse
Major acquisitions and donations
The formation of the museum's collections has long relied upon the generosity of local figures and the formal contributions of the state. In 1864, the collection received the Actéon by Delacroix, a gift from the duc Horace de Choiseul. This acquisition joined other significant pieces that arrived through the hands of private collectors, reflecting the specific tastes of the era's inhabitants.
The presence of 16th-century bronze is felt through the Neptune by Barthélemy Prieur, a prestigious sculpture that remains a central part of the holdings. Alongside these private gifts, the museum has integrated various state deposits that arrived during the late 19th century. These include the L'Arioste by Jean Baptiste Mauzaisse, which entered the collection in 1872, and the Atalante by Pascal-Adolphe-Jean Dagnan-Bouveret, which arrived in 1875.
- Flowers in a glass vase with metal mounted foot on a marble ledge, about 1675 - Willem Van Aelst
- Portrait of Maria Machtelt Wolfsen, 1650 - Aleijda Wolfsen
Exhibitions and museum activities
The museum maintains a steady rhythm of engagement through temporary exhibitions, guided tours, and conferences. These programs are complemented by workshops, birthday parties, and various free events held within the walls of the Hôtel de la Vicomté. Such activities allow for a closer examination of the creative process and the technical nuances of different media.
The current exhibition, titled “L’œil et la main…que du dessin !”, remains on view until March 31st. This selection focuses on French drawings from the 19th century, highlighting the graphic mastery of the era. The display offers a view into the methods of the period, featuring works executed in pencil, charcoal, sanguine, ink, and watercolor. It provides a way to observe the preparatory sketches and compositions that preceded the final forms of many significant works.
A central part of the current programming is a tribute to the sculptor Henri Chapu. The exhibition highlights his presence through various preparatory drawings intended for his statues and monuments. By presenting these works, the museum reveals the evolution from a preliminary sketch to a finished sculptural form.
