Boilly, Chroniques Parisiennes exhibition at the Musée Cognacq-Jay

Parisian theaters, parks, inhabitants swarming in the streets, the Carnival, cafés, soldiers, elegant people and maids, children in the streets… nothing escaped Louis-Léopold Boilly’s eye, who hurries to get his brushes and freeze at any time this ordinary scene that is yet so special to the Parisian life of the 18^th century.

This inventive and funny painter is given pride of place from February 16 to June 26, 2022, at the musée Cognacq-Jay through the “Boilly. Chroniques parisiennes” exhibitions. Discover 130 exceptional works of art gathered in a themed tour including a few humoristic touches, like the ones the artist enjoyed adding into his creations. Some paintings have never been seen before and never exhibited in France: do not miss the occasion to discover them!

Louis-Léopold Boilly arrived in 1785 in Paris at 24 years old. This young man from the North is fascinated by the busy life of Paris, inhabitants, daily life scenes, shows and modernity he discovers in this very big city. The artist then becomes the journalist of the daily life in the city, the portraitist of these men and women he sees walking pass him.

His humor is quickly seen: the portraitist transforms himself into a cartoonist in no time. The lively scenes of the street are adorned with funny or even provoking elements. His mastering of the drawing technique enables him to create a series of striking trompe-l’oeil.

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From large boulevards to narrow streets to intimate lounges of the locals, Boilly finds inspiration everywhere. His fruitful work enables now to see the precise picture of Paris of the late 18^th and early 19^th centuries. With portraits and landscapes, he brings life to this city and era so far away from us. He shows the humor, love and passions, anger and joy, with colors or humoristic face-pulling.

To pay tribute to this humor that characterized him so much, the musée Cognacq-Jay also proposes a little game! Boilly enjoys adding himself into paintings, depicting himself in the Parisian crowd. With plates set along the route, you play now! Find Boilly or clues of his presence in works and follow this little pictural paper chase looking for the painter.

The Musée Cognacq-Jay also unveils a large map of Boilly’s Paris: this map shows the different accommodations the artist lived in, as well as places in the city the painter painted in his works. After this exhibition, you can go on a stroll, in the footsteps of Louis-Léopold Boilly. Are you ready for this journey?