The Museums of Aristide Maillol

Following our previous article “Aristide Maillol: Artiste Préféré,” we would like to provide you a further look into Aristide Maillol’s artistic legacy with a glance at his two museums in his hometown of Banyuls-sur-Mer and in Paris as well as the Louvre’s collection displayed in the Jardin des Tuileries.

After the famed sculptor passed away in 1944 at age 83, a large collection of his work was gathered and maintained at the Musée Maillol in Paris established by Dina Vierny. Vierny was a model and friend (“platonic companion,” as they say) to Maillol during the last ten years of his life.

Here, under le Foundation Dina Vierny, the Musée Maillol in the 7th arrondissement holds a large collection of drawings, engravings, paintings, sculptures, decorative art as well as original plaster and terracotta work from Aristide Maillol. Additionally, she included various works by Paul Cézanne, Edgar Degas, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Auguste Rodin, amongst others who were featured from her own private collection.

In addition, The Musée Maillol de Banyuls-sur-Mer is located at his home and final resting place also operated by le Foundation Dina Vierny. This private museum at Maillol’s farm, “La Métairie,” houses 36 bronze and terracotta sculptures and various lithographs, drawings and paintings in addition to everyday artifacts from his life.

(left) Musée Maillol in the 7th arrondissement Paris – (right) Musée Maillol de Banyuls-sur-Mer

In addition to his two self-titled museums, Maillol’s work is also seen in the Louvre’s collection installed in the Jardin des Tuileries. As one strolls through the garden vistors can admire 20 of the artist’s sculptures in the Carousel Garden — between the Jardin des Tuileries and  the Louvre. Here you can see “La Rivière,” “La Montagne,” L’Air,” “Venus,” “Méditerranée,” “La Nuit”  and many more.

Maillol’s incredible work has not only been preserved through the work of his two museums guided by Vierny collection, but it has also been kept alive through the work of the Cambridge Art Gallery, Shore has created one of the largest private collections of Maillol’s works in the world, continuing to preserve and honor his artistic legacy.

Article by Willoughby Thom