An exceptional collection
|
The Marcille family counted amongst its ranks three enlightened connoisseurs who were both contributors to a remarkable collection and active protectors of the arts. The very name of Marcille became from that point onwards a stamp of approval in terms of good taste, defining the choices of passionate amateurs who could identify great artists outside of the mainstream trends of the time. By focusing on the French School of the 18th century in particular, the Marcille Collection greatly contributed towards restoring appreciation around the excellence of the art of the period for a vast audience. Different members of the Marcille Collection could skillfully uncover forgotten geniuses, thus achieving a remarkable feat in completely reversing public opinion. These were completely neglected artists, who had benefited neither from favors nor fashion nor sales, now receiving long-overdue esteem amongst aesthetes, including Greuze, Watteau, Lancret, Pater, Boucher, Chardin, Fragonard and Prud'hon.
This website is the official showcase for the Marcille Collection, managed by François de la Taille, descendant of the family. Its aim is to compile exhaustive information and make visible research related to this heritage. |
Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin, c. 1760, Oil on canvas, 44x36cm, National Gallery of Scotland, (from Marcille collection).
|
From generation to generation, the Marcille Collection assembles more than 5 000 paintings, including 1 000 masterpieces and 5 000 works on paper. The eclecticism of this ensemble is exceptional, both in terms of time period (from the 15th to the 19th century) and origin (Italy, Germany, Spain, France, Netherlands, England, Flanders).
Preserved archives and committed research work
The extensive nature of the Marcille Collection has required the sale of all or parts of it at several stages, leaving - thankfully - precise documentation allowing for the traceability of each artwork once part of the collection. This website acts as a gateway between the owners of the artworks, researchers and institutions in order to assemble as much information as possible. We are favourable to any collaboration allowing for the progression of research around the Marcille Collection: do not hesitate to get in touch if you possess information or documentation on the subject.
We are currently preparing a vast exhibition project around this collection.
We are currently preparing a vast exhibition project around this collection.
" Had François Marcille offered his paintings to the Louvre like his friend La Caze (1798-1869) who, unlike him, had no inheritors, he certainly would have had his own room there, with his name in letters of gold at its entrance. However, due to a lack of official recognition that name disappeared from the history of collecting for decades. It is today inseparable from the revelation of French 18th century art - long before Goncourt bore any attention to it."
Pierre Cabanne, Les grands collectionneurs [Great collectors], tome 1, les Editions de l'Amateur.
The publication of the catalogue raisonné of the Marcille Collection
Jean-Honoré FRAGONARD (1732 - 1806), MARIE-MADELEINE GUIMARD. (New name : Portrait of the COMTESSE DE GRAVES), © Photo RMN-Grand Palais - R. G. Ojeda.
Crucial inventory and research work aims towards the publication of an exhaustive catalogue of the Marcille Collection. This project first appears as a self-portrait of its different contributors: François Marcille the patriarch, but also Camille and Eudoxe, his sons, pursuing the paternal tradition by expanding this private museum, which was always open to curious visitors. Beyond their characteristic eye for masterpieces, their benevolence was universally acknowledged. So much so, perhaps, that too much humility meant that the shine of their reputation tarnished over time. To pay tribute to them with a thorough examination of the collection to which they devoted their entire life is to do them justice.
