Musée Jean-Jacques Henner: A Glimpse into 19th-Century Parisian Art

The Musée Jean-Jacques Henner offers a unique window into the life and work of the 19th-century French painter Jean-Jacques Henner (1829-1905). Housed in a stunning *hôtel particulier* (private mansion) in the 17th arrondissement, the museum provides an intimate glimpse into Henner's artistic journey, from his early experiments to his later, more established works. The mansion itself, designed in 1878 by architect Nicolas-Félix Escalier, was initially the home and studio of painter Guillaume Dubufe. In 1921, Marie Henner, the widow of Jean-Jacques Henner's nephew, acquired the property to showcase her uncle's art. The museum officially opened in 1924 and became a national museum in 1943. Inside, visitors can explore seven rooms across four floors, displaying a collection of over 130 portraits, drawings, sketches and paintings, including Henner's famous Red Nymphs. The museum also features Henner's studio, recreated with period furniture and materials, offering insight into his creative process. The Musée Jean-Jacques Henner stands as one of the few accessible examples of private architecture from the Third Republic.