Musee Cognacq-Jay
Although this handsomely austere house in the Marais date from the 17th-century, the collection within reflects the 18th century at its zenith: Canaletto views of Venice, watches, painted fans, jeweled snuffboxes, Meissen figures by Johann Kandler, famille rose vases, a Clodion terra-cotta of a lapdog, and a series of Lavreince drawings. The Cognacq-Jay also has a glowing Fragonard of a young woman in yellow and red; a deeply insightful Quentin de La Tour self-portrait; Jean-Mare Nattier’s depiction of Mme. De Chateauroux, one of Louis XV’s mistresses; and Francois Boueher’s portrait of his daughter. Most spectacular of all, though, is the furniture: a delicate Rococo lady’s desk by Oeben, circa 1740; a Classical 1780’s Weisweiler garlands, and urns. 8 Rue Elzevir; 33-1/40-27-07-21.
Photo courtesy: ousecultiver
