Floor plan

Style galleriesFrench classicism

French classicism

Saint Peter Repentant, by Georges de La Tour, 1645
The image is a landscape view with a natural scene depicted in fine etching. The horizon is situated towards the middle of the composition, where the land gently rises, and a subtle outline of distant hills is visible. Large rocks and foliage are depicted close to us, with a lone, barren tree extending upwards on the left side. The etching features intricate and well-defined brushstrokes, including thin lines and cross-hatching to create texture and depth. The color palette is monochromatic, with dark tones against a lighter background. In the distance, additional clusters of trees can be seen, rendered with similar linework to convey movement and detail.
Portrait of Charlotte Duchesne, by Philippe de Champaigne, ca. 1628
The image depicts a landscape viewed from a slightly elevated angle. On the left side, there is a large tree with a twisted trunk and dense foliage. A winding path can be seen with a figure walking with a dog. In the distance, a river winds through the land, and there are rolling hills and trees in the background. The color scheme is sepia-toned.
The Jabach Family, by Charles Le Brun, ca. 1660
A work made of engraving and etching on ivory laid paper.

The works in this room are listed below.

Works in this room

Order, clarity and the ideal landscape in seventeenth-century France.

First room, north wall

  1. Saint Peter Repentant, by Georges de La Tour, 1645
    Saint Peter RepentantGeorges de La Tour, 1645Courtesy of the Cleveland Museum of Art
  2. The image is a landscape view with a natural scene depicted in fine etching. The horizon is situated towards the middle of the composition, where the land gently rises, and a subtle outline of distant hills is visible. Large rocks and foliage are depicted close to us, with a lone, barren tree extending upwards on the left side. The etching features intricate and well-defined brushstrokes, including thin lines and cross-hatching to create texture and depth. The color palette is monochromatic, with dark tones against a lighter background. In the distance, additional clusters of trees can be seen, rendered with similar linework to convey movement and detail.
    A Rocky PondLaurent de La Hyre, 1640Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  3. Portrait of Charlotte Duchesne, by Philippe de Champaigne, ca. 1628
    Portrait of Charlotte DuchesnePhilippe de Champaigne, ca. 1628Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  4. The image depicts a landscape viewed from a slightly elevated angle. On the left side, there is a large tree with a twisted trunk and dense foliage. A winding path can be seen with a figure walking with a dog. In the distance, a river winds through the land, and there are rolling hills and trees in the background. The color scheme is sepia-toned.
    Hilly Landscape with Travelers on FootJean MorinCourtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

First room, south wall

  1. The Jabach Family, by Charles Le Brun, ca. 1660
    The Jabach FamilyCharles Le Brun, ca. 1660Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  2. A work made of engraving and etching on ivory laid paper.
    The Wise and Foolish Virgins, plate fiveAbraham Bosse, 1635Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago

Second room, south wall

  1. Nymphs and a Satyr (Amor Vincit Omnia), by Nicolas Poussin, c. 1625–27
    Nymphs and a Satyr (Amor Vincit Omnia)Nicolas Poussin, c. 1625–27Courtesy of the Cleveland Museum of Art
  2. This image features intricately designed ornate letters of the alphabet surrounded by elaborate illustrations. The top of the composition shows a cherub riding on an eagle, holding a crown above their head. A ribbon with inscriptions unfurls around the crown, and a sun with a human face is visible in the corner. The letters "A," "F," "D," "H," and another "H" are decorated with classical elements like putti, garlands, and mythological figures. The central panel is adorned with heraldic symbols, angelic figures, and coats of arms. The overall style of the artwork reflects baroque or renaissance decorative artistry, known for its ornamental details and classical themes.
    PendantRobert NanteuilCourtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  3. This is a drawing of a busy street scene with architectural structures and various figures. It depicts a large open area bordered by a grand building to the left and a rounded tower or structure to the right. The left side of the scene is lined with stairs leading up to an elevated walkway or platform, where people are gathered. In the middle and to the right, a crowd has formed, encompassing the space in front of the tower. Various individuals, some wearing distinctive headgear, are seen mingling and gesturing. The architectural details in the background, such as the windows and brickwork of the tower, frame the scene below. A hand-operated apparatus extends from the tower, possibly for lifting goods or supplies. The drawing captures a dynamic urban moment.
    The Slave MarketJacques Callot, 1620Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Second room, north wall

  1. The Fortune-Teller, by Georges de La Tour, probably 1630s
    The Fortune-TellerGeorges de La Tour, probably 1630sCourtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  2. The image shows four elderly men around a table. They have long hair and beards, and appear focused as they write or take notes on tablets. They wear classical robes and sit in different postures, engaged in writing or possibly calculating. Two hold writing implements and tablets, while a third holds a scroll. Above them, a seated figure with wings is present. Light rays emanate from a dove at the top, highlighting a celestial influence. An eagle is perched nearby. Architectural elements like columns and arches are in the background. A lion's head is under the table.
    The Four EvangelistsRobert NanteuilCourtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Third room, north wall

  1. The Abduction of the Sabine Women, by Nicolas Poussin, probably 1633–34
    The Abduction of the Sabine WomenNicolas Poussin, probably 1633–34Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  2. A work made of oil on panel.
    MeeknessEustache Le Sueur, 1650Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago

Third room, south wall

  1. Samson, by Valentin de Boulogne, 1630–31
    SamsonValentin de Boulogne, 1630–31Courtesy of the Cleveland Museum of Art
  2. The image has an elevated perspective showing two figures with animals in the scene. One person is leaning against a tree with a stick, while the other is seated on the ground. A cow is between them and other livestock in the middle distance. A person in the distance is tending to the animals. The horizon is low in the image, hidden by rolling hills. The artwork is in monochrome with fine linework, creating texture through hatching and cross-hatching, emphasizing depth and dimensionality.
    Peasant Couple with CowJacques Callot, c. 1621Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  3. The Trojan Women Setting Fire to Their Fleet, by Claude Lorrain (Claude Gellée), ca. 1643
    The Trojan Women Setting Fire to Their FleetClaude Lorrain (Claude Gellée), ca. 1643Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art