Floor plan

Style galleriesFrench classicism

French classicism

Lute Player, by Valentin de Boulogne, ca. 1625–26
The Trojan Women Setting Fire to Their Fleet, by Claude Lorrain (Claude Gellée), ca. 1643
The Abduction of the Sabine Women, by Nicolas Poussin, probably 1633–34
Perseus and the Origin of Coral, by Claude Lorrain (Claude Gellée), ca. 1671
Queen Esther Approaching the Palace of Ahasuerus, by Claude Lorrain (Claude Gellée), 1658

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. Lute Player, by Valentin de Boulogne, ca. 1625–26
    Lute PlayerValentin de Boulogne, ca. 1625–26Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  2. 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

First room, south 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. Perseus and the Origin of Coral, by Claude Lorrain (Claude Gellée), ca. 1671
    Perseus and the Origin of CoralClaude Lorrain (Claude Gellée), ca. 1671Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  3. 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

Second room, south wall

  1. 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
  2. Portrait of Charlotte Duchesne, by Philippe de Champaigne, ca. 1628
    Portrait of Charlotte DuchesnePhilippe de Champaigne, ca. 1628Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  3. The image shows an etching of a rural landscape with trees obscuring the horizon. In the distance, there is a cart on a winding path with a person walking beside it. Closer to the viewer, there is a person with a child under a tree, accompanied by a small dog. The artwork features fine and detailed brushwork with cross-hatching for texture and shadows. The color scheme is monochromatic in muted browns, emphasizing details and creating a peaceful scene under soft light filtered through the trees. The trees form a canopy framing the serene setting.
    Edge of a Wood with Peasants Going to MarketJean MorinCourtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Second room, north wall

  1. Samson, by Valentin de Boulogne, 1630–31
    SamsonValentin de Boulogne, 1630–31Courtesy 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. Saint Peter Repentant, by Georges de La Tour, 1645
    Saint Peter RepentantGeorges de La Tour, 1645Courtesy of the Cleveland Museum of Art

Third room, north 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. 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

Third room, south wall

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