Héroïnes romantiques, the unmissable exhibition at Paris’s Musée de la Vie Romantique

They were painters, writers, musicians, muses and artists: they are at the very heart of the exhibition of the Musée de la Vie Romantique. From April 6 to September 4, 2022, come and meet these romantic female heroines.

Women are given pride of place at the musée de la Vie Romantique! They are even in the very heart of the museum’s latest exhibition, running from April 6 to September 4, 2022. Fictional female characters, or female artists, historic figures or personalities from the 19^th century, they are the “Héroïnes Romantiques” or Romantic Heroines this exclusive exhibition brings to light.

Who were the women who caught the attention of artists, how were they represented? Over a hundred paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, and art items unveil these revisited or invented heroines by romantic artists who marked the era’s culture and imaginary. The exhibition route is divided into three parts: Héroïnes du passé (Heroines from the past), Héroïnes de fiction (Fictional heroines), and Héroïnes en scène (Heroines on stage). One can enjoy the deep relationships between literature, performing art, and fine arts: Shakespeare meets Eugène Delacroix while Antoine-Jean Gros is fascinated by the Greek mythology.

Sappho, Joan of Arc, Marie Stuart, Heloise, Juliet, Ophelia, or even Atala are brushed by these artists. Their dramatic stories, their intense passions have helped creating a very romantic image of the woman in the 19^th century.

Admire fragile and denuded women by Eugène Delacroix, Anne-Louis Girodet, Théodore Chassériau, Antoine-Jean Gros, Léon Cogniet or Leopold Burthe. Rediscover strong and intricate women coming to life thanks to Marie of Orleans, Félicie de Fauveau, Frédérique O’Connell, writers Madame de Staël and George Sand, or performers Harriet Smithson, Rachel and Mademoiselle Mars.

To complete the tour wondering about the woman’s position and vision in the romantic society, the museum also provides sound contents enabling to discover authentic texts. An audiovisual screening also tells us more about the marks these heroines left on our contemporary world, whether in the world of art or our social constructions.

Between mythology and reality, women have always been the very subject of fantasies and extravagant stories. Come and discover these stories and the ones that inspired the “Héroïnes Romantiques” exhibition!

To keep learning about this matter, run to the Musée du Luxembourg to enjoy the “Pioneers” exhibition!