Floor plan

Style galleriesFrench classicism

French classicism

The Fortune-Teller, by Georges de La Tour, probably 1630s
Samson, by Valentin de Boulogne, 1630–31
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.
Saint Peter Repentant, by Georges de La Tour, 1645
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 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 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. 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. Samson, by Valentin de Boulogne, 1630–31
    SamsonValentin de Boulogne, 1630–31Courtesy of the Cleveland Museum of Art
  3. 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

First room, south 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 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
  3. 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

Second 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 oil on canvas.
    Peasant Family at a WellThe Master of the Children's Caps, 1650/60Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago

Second room, north wall

  1. The Four Seasons: Autumn, by Abraham Bosse, 1635
    The Four Seasons: AutumnAbraham Bosse, 1635Courtesy of the Cleveland Museum of Art
  2. 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
  3. 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

Third room, north wall

  1. Painting of Greek landscape, classical architecture, yellow, red robed man reading.
    Landscape with Saint John on PatmosNicolas Poussin, 1640Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago
  2. Still Life with Shells and a Chip-Wood Box, by Sebastian Stoskopff, late 1620s
    Still Life with Shells and a Chip-Wood BoxSebastian Stoskopff, late 1620sCourtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  3. A work made of black chalk, with touches of white chalk, on cream laid paper.
    A ProcessionAmbroise Dubois, c. 1610Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago

Third room, south wall

  1. The Holy Family on the Steps, by Nicolas Poussin, 1648
    The Holy Family on the StepsNicolas Poussin, 1648Courtesy of the Cleveland Museum of Art
  2. Queen Esther Approaching the Palace of Ahasuerus, by Claude Lorrain (Claude Gellée), 1658
    Queen Esther Approaching the Palace of AhasuerusClaude Lorrain (Claude Gellée), 1658Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art