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Family Portraits

Photo : Musée Jean-Jacques Henner

Nov 12 – Jan 4

Family Portraits

Jean-Jacques Henner's family occupies an essential place in his work. After the death of his father, Georges Guillaume Henner, his relatives showed him unwavering support and accompanied him throughout his career.

Musée national Jean-Jacques Henner (Paris 17th)

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Beyond material aid, they also contributed to his artistic training: it was by painting their portraits that Henner explored and then perfected the genre to which he would remain deeply attached. Represented at different ages of their lives, the members of his family were his first but also his last models. This abundance of portraits testifies to the strength of the bonds that united Henner with his family, true pillars and a source of inspiration throughout his existence.

The portraits of the members [of Jean-Jacques Henner's family], twenty times reproduced by his pious hands [...] sufficiently attest to what place his mother, his sister Marie-Anne, his brother Grégoire, and above all his brother Séraphin, his wife and their children always held in his heart. If Henner's art is the work of his vocation, Henner himself is the work of his family.

Samuel Rocheblave, "La jeunesse d’Henner", Revue de l’Art Ancien et Moderne, March 10, 190
Our take on this event

Step into the private world of an artistic master through this touching display centered on the figures closest to his heart. These portraits, captured across different decades, offer an intimate look at the family bond that served as his lifelong muse and emotional anchor. Experience the quiet beauty of an artist painting the ones who defined his identity.

The Portraits de famille exhibition arrives at the Musée national Jean-Jacques Henner in the 17th arrondissement, running from October 4, 2026, to January 4, 2027. This showcase explores how the artist's relatives influenced his creative journey through a series of intimate portraits captured across his lifetime. By examining these depictions of his mother, siblings, and nephews, you gain insight into the personal bonds that defined his artistic vocation. The museum welcomes visitors from Monday to Sunday, excluding Tuesdays, between 11:00 and 18:00. Admission prices range from 0 to 8 euros.

Discover the intimate connections that shaped the work of Jean-Jacques Henner at the museum dedicated to his legacy. From October 4, 2026, to January 4, 2027, this exhibition shines a light on the family members who served as both his primary supporters and his most frequent subjects.

The collection features portraits of his mother, his sister Marie-Anne, his brothers Grégoire and Séraphin, as well as their children. Through these works, visitors can observe how Henner explored and refined his portraiture skills while drawing constant inspiration from those he held most dear. It is a unique opportunity to understand how the artist’s life and family history were intrinsically linked to his creative output.

You can visit the museum at 43, avenue de Villiers every day except Tuesday, from 11:00 to 18:00. Tickets are available at prices ranging from 0 to 8 euros.

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