Family portraits

16 september 2026 - 4 january 2027

11:00 - 18:00

Audience type All audiences

Jean-Jacques Henner’s family played a key role in his work. Following the death of his father, Georges Guillaume Henner, his loved ones showed him unwavering support and accompanied him throughout his career.
Beyond material assistance, they also contributed to his artistic development: it was by painting their portraits that Henner explored, and then perfected, this genre to which he would remain deeply attached.
Depicted at various stages of their lives, the members of his family were not only his first but also his last models.This wealth of portraits testifies to the strength of the bonds that united Henner with his family, who were true pillars of support and a source of inspiration throughout his life.

 

Les portraits des membres [de la famille de Jean-Jacques Henner], vingt fois reproduits par ses mains pieuses […] attestent assez quelle place tinrent  toujours dans son cœur sa mère, sa sœur Marie-Anne, son frère Grégoire, et surtout son frère Séraphin, sa femme et leurs enfants. Si l’art d’Henner est  l’œuvre de sa vocation, Henner lui-même est l’œuvre de sa famille. »

Samuel Rocheblave, « La jeunesse d’Henner»,  Revue de l’Art Ancien et Moderne, 10 mars 190

Tarifs

Exposition-dossier comprise dans le billet d'entrée du musée

À découvrir

Portrait d'une femme debout, vêtue d'une robe rouge, sur un fond nu (support papier visible). Elle est positionnée de trois-quarts vers la gauche, le visage de face regardant le spectateur, et porte dans ses mains un plateau sur lequel est placée une tête d'homme coupée.
HENNER Jean-Jacques, Salomé, dite à tort Hérodiade - Salon de 1887 © RMN-Grand Palais / Franck Raux
English guided tour