19th-century Middle Ages: an exhibition on forgeries and copies at the Musée de Cluny

When the Middle Ages were "modernized" in the 19th century through forgeries and copies... The Musée de Cluny presents the exhibition Le Moyen Âge du 19e siècle. Creations, copies and forgeries in the precious arts, from October 7, 2025 to January 11, 2026. Theexhibition explores the 19th century's fascination with the medieval period, reinterpreted through works of art combining authenticity, pastiches and sometimes forgeries. It's also an opportunity to discover the influences of this period on precious arts such as goldsmiths, enamellers and weavers.

• To be read
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Theexhibition sheds light on an artistic and cultural phenomenon that began in the 1820s and 1830s and continued right up to the eve of the First World War. After the revolutionary upheavals, the 19th century developed a passion for the Middle Ages, fueled by romantic reverie and technological advances. This context encouraged the creation of copies and composite works, often intended to meet the growing demand of a booming art market, with Paris as its nerve center. The focus is on medieval precious arts and their modern reinterpretations, offering a dialogue between original pieces and 19th-century creations.

At the heart of theexhibition, goldsmiths, enamellers and ivories bear witness to the renewed interest in ancient skills. Collectors, restorers and sometimes even forgers played an essential role in this revival, making this period a key stage in the rediscovery and evolution of ancestral techniques. This historical and artistic context enriches our understanding of the exchanges between these two periods, while highlighting the "resonances" between medieval objects and 19th-century creations. A unique perspective for art history enthusiasts... Shall we drop by the Musée de Cluny, folks?