Musée Antoine Vivenel

Nestled in the charming town of Compiègne, France, the Musée Antoine Vivenel is a hidden gem that art and history enthusiasts simply cannot miss. This museum, officially known in French as the Musée Antoine-Vivenel, offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich tapestry of human creativity and ingenuity, spanning from ancient civilizations to the Renaissance. Founded in 1839 thanks to the generous donation of Antoine Vivenel, an entrepreneur-architect and avid collector, the museum has grown to house an impressive array of artifacts and artworks, making it a cultural treasure trove.

The Origins of Musée Antoine Vivenel

The story of the Musée Antoine Vivenel begins with its namesake, Antoine Vivenel, who made his fortune in Paris during the reign of Louis-Philippe. A native of Compiègne, Vivenel was passionate about art and archaeology, amassing a considerable collection of classical and Renaissance artifacts. In 1839, he decided to donate his collection to his hometown, with the vision of creating a comprehensive museum that would include galleries of art, plaster casts of ancient sculptures, natural history exhibits, and free drawing and music classes. While the full extent of his ambitious project was never realized due to financial and spatial limitations, the museum nevertheless began to take shape within the confines of the town hall.

A New Home: The Hôtel de Songeons-Bicquilley

In 1952, the Musée Antoine Vivenel found a new home in the Hôtel de Songeons-Bicquilley, a grand mansion bequeathed to the town by Count René Personne de Songeons. This elegant 18th-century building, constructed on the ruins of a former Dominican monastery founded by Saint Louis and razed during the French Revolution, provides a fittingly historic setting for the museum's collections. The mansion is surrounded by a two-hectare park, which retains vestiges of the old abbey, including Gothic architectural elements like window arches, doorways, and cloister arches, as well as a statue of Saint Dominic. Visitors can also explore the park's other features, such as the monumental gate and two neoclassical tombs from the now-disappeared Clamart cemetery, the charming Fontaine aux Biches by Marguerite de Bayser-Gratry, and the fragrant garden nestled below the medieval ramparts.

Exploring the Collections

The Musée Antoine Vivenel's collections have continued to grow since the 19th century, thanks to state deposits, contributions from the Historical Society of Compiègne, archaeological excavations, and private donations. The museum's holdings are primarily owned by the town of Compiègne, with some items on loan from the Historical Society and the State Archaeology Department. Visitors will find a diverse array of artifacts spanning multiple eras and regions, each telling its own unique story.

Antiquities

The museum boasts one of France's most significant collections of Greek ceramics, second only to the Louvre. Many of these pieces were once part of the collection of Lucien Bonaparte, Napoleon's brother and the Prince of Canino in Italy. Additionally, the museum houses sculpted blocks from the Gallo-Roman temple of Champlieu, located about 20 kilometers southeast of Compiègne. Other highlights include Egyptian funerary artifacts, such as a child's mummy, and Etruscan antiquities, offering a fascinating glimpse into ancient civilizations.

Paintings

The Musée Antoine Vivenel's painting collection spans several centuries and includes works by renowned artists. Notable pieces include Lavinia Fontana's The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, Luca Giordano's The Holy Family and Saint John the Baptist, and Charles Le Brun's sketch for the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles. The museum also features portraits, landscapes, and genre scenes by artists such as Jean-Louis Demarne, Marguerite Gérard, and Thomas Couture, providing a rich visual history of artistic styles and subjects.

Sculptures

The museum's sculpture collection is equally impressive, with numerous medieval and Renaissance pieces displayed in the Saint-Corneille cloister. Highlights include Eugène Delaplanche's bronze Allegory of Air and Auguste Joseph Peiffer's Arab Playing the Mandolin and Arab Playing the Drum, showcasing the skill and creativity of sculptors across different periods.

Decorative Arts

The decorative arts section of the Musée Antoine Vivenel features a stunning array of European ceramics, glassware, and metalwork from the 16th and 17th centuries. Visitors can admire majolica, Rhenish stoneware, works from Bernard Palissy's workshop, Limoges enamels, Venetian glass, and Bohemian crystal, as well as alabaster, bronze, and ivory sculptures. One standout piece is Léonard Limosin's Briseis and Hercules, part of a series depicting heroes from Ovid's Heroides.

Temporary Exhibitions and Events

Since 1998, the town of Compiègne has provided a dedicated space for temporary exhibitions at the former Saint-Pierre-des-Minimes church, a 12th-century building. The Musée Antoine Vivenel regularly organizes events related to its collections, as well as contemporary art exhibitions in collaboration with the Art Présent association. The Songeons park also hosts sculpture exhibitions, concerts, and other cultural events, making the museum a vibrant hub of artistic activity.

In conclusion, the Musée Antoine Vivenel is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art, history, and culture. Its diverse collections, historic setting, and engaging events offer a captivating journey through time and creativity, making it a true jewel in the heart of Compiègne.