Jean-Baptiste Greuze
Childhood Illuminated

To mark the tercentenary of Jean-Baptiste Greuze’s birth, the Petit Palais is dedicating an exhibition to this master of portraiture and genre painting, whose art captured the depths of the human soul with remarkable intensity. The event highlights a key theme in his work: childhood.

On the occasion of the 300th anniversary of his birth, the Petit Palais celebrates Jean-Baptiste Greuze (1725–1805).

Renowned in his lifetime for his portraits and genre scenes, Greuze was hailed as one of the boldest and most influential artists of the 18th century. Though his reputation has since faded, he was once admired by the public, eagerly sought after by collectors, and highly praised by critics – Diderot foremost among them. Independent by nature, Greuze stood apart from his contemporaries, constantly reaffirming his creative freedom and his desire to challenge the established rules of painting.

This exhibition invites visitors to rediscover his œuvre through the lens of childhood, a central theme in his art. Nearly one hundred works, drawn from major French and international collections – including the Musée du Louvre (Paris), Musée Fabre (Montpellier), the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York), the Rijksmuseum (Amsterdam), the National Galleries of Scotland (Edinburgh), the Royal Collection (UK), as well as numerous private holdings – will be brought together for the occasion.