
Introduction:
This is the museum of Fine Arts of Toulouse, it was opened in 1795.
At that time, it gathered numerous collections of paintings and sculptures. the magnificent convent date back to 1310, and the premises were occupied by the Augustinian Hermits.
During the French Revolution, the Augustinian monks lost their religious functions and the convent became a museum.
The museum was etablished in 1795 and received numerous collections to be exhibited, making the second largest museum in France after the Louvre.
The church:
It is one of the jewels of the Gothic heritage in Toulouse.
It comprises a nave with eight bays of ribbed vaults and side chapels.
In 1975, the convent and the exhibition halls underwent renovation.
The organ is magnificient, made in the classical German style and designed by " Jürgen Harend ", with decorative work by " Pierre Berlin ". It was inaugurated in 1981.
The Fountain and cloister:
The Fountain:
The fountain is the small cloister, where a refreshment area is now located, is the work of " Robert Fachard ".
It dates back to 1981 and is made of cut stone. It measures 2.50 meters in height, 1.20 meters in width, and 1.20 meters in depth.
It is located in the small cloister of the Augustinians.
The cloister:
The cloister literally radiates in the sunlight. It is calm and conducive to relaxation.
Iy is landscaped with with a botanical garden, flowers, aromatics plants, and fruit trees.
The cloister dates back to the 14th century and features double columns.
In this center, you can find the cross of Christ.
The collections:
The first works were brought by the revolutionaries. Works from the Royal Academy of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture of Toulouse completed the collection.
There are over 4 000 pieces in total.
In 1800, Thank to " François Lucas ", the museum acquired Italian and Flemish artworks.
Then in 1808, Napoleon entrusted the management of the museum to the city, and in 1812, the museum received 30 new paintings from Holland, Flanders, Italy and France starting from 1823, the Augustins museum underwent continuous works.
In 1831, Urbain Vitry transformed the church into a gallery of paintings, which was called " the Temple of Arts ".
Denis Darcy, from 1880 to 1901, constructed a new building on the Alsace Loraine Street side, completing the museum.
The school of Fine Arts was relocated to " la Daurade " in 1892.
From the neoclassicism to realism, French art mouvements encompass a wide range including classicism.
The museum also houses numerous paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries, featuring renoved artists such as " Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec ".
During the 16th century, Toulouse was a predominantly Catholic city, which attracted many Italien artists to come and work there.
The artistic currents included Italian Primitives and Baroque.
The statues:
The museum has the largest collection in the world of 12th-century capitals and Romaesque sculptures. These artworks originate from notre Dame de la Daurade, Saint-Sernin and the Cathedrale Saint-Etienne.
During the 19th century, there was a significant development in sculpture, with many of them having a funerary significance and being incorporated into urban projects.
This is why the Augustins Museum has an extensive collection of sculptures.
The Augustins today:
Unfortunately, the Augustins museum is in need of renovations and will be closed until 2025.
However, it is possible that it may reopen during the summer months for tourism.
The Augustins Museum by night:
It is illuminated by an ecological LED system in a very gentle way to highlight the main architectural elements of the building.
BONUS INTERACTIVE: VIDEO
That all for today.
I hope you will enjoy reading this post.
Welcome in Toulouse.
Greetings Franck.
The Blog from Toulouse.
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