Artwork
Le Grand Salon, Musée Jacquemart-André
Le Grand Salon, Musée Jacquemart-André is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Walter Gay. It dates from 1913 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The painting thus functions both as a documentary record of the interior setting and as an homage to the artistic heritage embodied in the displayed artifacts.
Le Grand Salon, Musée Jacquemart-André portrays the opulent interior of the museum’s principal salon, focusing on a decorative vase placed within the room. The work records the architectural details and furnishings of the space, emphasizing the refined French aesthetic of the early 20th century. By centering a solitary vase, Gay conveys the salon’s role as a showcase for luxury objects and the cultural prestige associated with the museum’s collection.
The painting thus functions both as a documentary record of the interior setting and as an homage to the artistic heritage embodied in the displayed artifacts.
Technique & Style
Le Grand Salon, Musée Jacquemart-André is an oil painting executed in 1913 on canvas. The work belongs to the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is displayed as part of the museum’s interior decorative program. Its surface is built up with traditional oil pigments applied in layered brushwork, a technique typical of early‑twentieth‑century academic portraiture.
The composition depicts an opulent salon interior that includes a prominent vase, emphasizing spatial depth and refined decorative detail. The painting’s dimensions measure 69.5 cm in height by 86 cm in width, confirming its modest scale relative to the surrounding architectural space.
History & Provenance
Le Grand Salon, Musée Jacquemart-André is an oil painting on canvas by Walter Gay dated 1913. The work depicts the interior of the Grand Salon at the Musée Jacquemart-André, featuring a vase within the room. It is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is currently located.
The sources do not provide further details on the circumstances of its commission, its earlier ownership history, or how it came into the Metropolitan Museum's holdings.
Overview
Walter Gay, an American artist, completed Le Grand Salon, Musée Jacquemart-André in 1913 using oil paint. This painting exemplifies his dedication to depicting elegant domestic interiors, a prominent theme throughout his career. The work captures a specific room within the Musée Jacquemart-André, showcasing the artist's interest in refined spaces. It is currently part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Walter Gay (January 22, 1856 – July 13, 1937) was an American painter noted both for his genre paintings of French peasants, paintings of opulent interior scenes and was a notable art collector.
