Published 19/12/2018
Residing in the Chateau of Chantilly, the Condé Museum is one of the finest jewels in French heritage and has an interesting past. It is known for its collection of classical renaissance paintings, beautifully intricate portraits and 13th century manuscripts - notable for their remarkably preserved vibrant and colourful imagery.
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The Duke d’Aumale, the last owner of the Chateau, collected masterpieces from Italian Renaissance paintings through to the 19th century. Henri d'Orléans was also a collector of manuscripts and antique books, many of which are still found and kept at the Chantilly - some can be viewed as part of the Condé's collection.
Heures du Duc de Berry' (vellum), Limbourg Brothers (fl.1400-1416) / Musee Conde, Chantilly, France
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the 'Tres Riches Heures du Duc de Berry' (vellum), Limbourg Brothers (fl.1400-1416) / Musee Conde, Chantilly, France
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After an accident involving a fire in at the Bazar de la Charité towards the end of his life, the Duke began to write individual letters offering condolances to the families of victims. The Bazar de la Charité was an annual charity event organised by the French Catholic aristocracy in Paris from 1885 onwards and the fire claimed over 200 lives, primarily those of aristocratic women.
Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio of Urbino) (1483-1520) / Musee Conde, Chantilly, France
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Champaigne, Philippe de (1602-74) / Musee Conde, Chantilly, France
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After finishing the 20th letter he suffered a cardiac arrest and died. In his will, written just a few months prior he bequeathed his Chantilly estate to the Institute of France, including the Chateau, where his exensive collection was to be turned into a museum.
by Vincent de Beauvais (vellum), French School, (15th century) / Musee Conde, Chantilly, France
This degree of generosity led to the government withdrawing his decree of exile, which had been imposed on him in 1886 as one of the outcomes of the Franco-Prussian War - all royal family members and connections to previous leading figures of France were expelled.
Toulouse in the Costume of a Novice of the Order of the Holy Spirit, 1693 (oil on canvas), Boulogne, Louis de, the Younger (1654-1733) / Musee Conde, Chantilly, France
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Today, the Condé Museum prides itself on its exceptional collection of manuscripts, the most famous being Les Très Riches Heures from the Duc de Berry and drawings by Clouet and other major artists.
To discover the rich collection of the Condé Museum, click here.
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