Did you know that housed within an 18th-century mansion called HôTel Turgot is a treasure trove of art? This is the Fondation Custodia. It stands as a testament to one man’s passion for art. That man was Frits Lugt.
The Fondation Custodia is located on 121 rue de Lille in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. It focuses on European Old Master works. You will find art from Dutch, Flemish, Italian, and French artists.
Frits Lugt, a Dutch art historian, founded this haven in 1947. He wanted to safeguard his extensive collection of drawings, prints, and paintings. The name “Custodia” means “safekeeping” in Latin. This reflects Lugt’s intention perfectly.
Lugt was born in Amsterdam in 1884. He died in Paris in 1970. He dedicated his life to the study and appreciation of art. He cataloged Dutch drawings in Parisian public institutions. These included the Musée du Louvre and the Bibliothèque Nationale de France. His survey of collector’s marks on drawings and prints remains a crucial reference for specialists today. It is even available as an online database.
Inspired by American private foundations, Lugt created the Fondation Custodia. He transferred his art and assets to it. In 1957, he established the Institut Néerlandais in the neighboring Hôtel Lévis-Mirepoix. This was a Dutch cultural center. Sadly, it closed in 2013 after the Dutch government withdrew its subsidy.
The Fondation Custodia continues to grow. It enriches the Lugt Collection. It organizes exhibitions and guided tours of the Hôtel Turgot. The Fondation also lends works to exhibitions worldwide. Specialists and art lovers can visit by appointment. Its library specializes in Western fine arts from 1450 to 1900. It is particularly strong in graphic arts. It is exhaustive for the art of the Northern Schools of the Golden Age.
The Fondation Custodia boasts over 7,000 Old Master drawings. It also has 15,000 prints and 450 paintings. These works span Dutch, Flemish, Italian, French, Danish, British, and German artists.
Drawings from the 15th to mid-19th century feature prominently. The Dutch and Flemish schools of the 17th century are well-represented. You’ll find works by Rembrandt and his contemporaries. French, Italian, German, Danish, and English works are also present. Prints showcase Dutch and Flemish masters of the 16th and 17th centuries. The collection includes almost all of Rembrandt’s etchings. Rare engravings by Lucas van Leyden are here too.
The foundation’s 450 paintings include Dutch and Flemish masters from the 16th and 17th centuries. Genres range from portraits to still life, genre scenes, and landscapes. Church interiors by Pieter Saenredam and Emanuel de Witte can be found here. There are genre scenes by Jan Brueghel the Elder and Jan Steen. The collection also holds still lifes by Jan Davidsz de Heem.
The Fondation Custodia also has a significant collection of artists’ letters. It contains over 40,000 items. These letters span from the Renaissance to the present day. Letters from French artists of the 17th and 19th centuries predominate. You can find letters from Michelangelo, Rembrandt, and Paul Gauguin.
Smaller collections include Indian miniatures and old Dutch books. Original frames, Chinese porcelain, and antique objects are also present.
The Fondation Custodia is more than a museum. It is a living testament to Frits Lugt’s love for art. It invites you to explore centuries of artistic brilliance. It offers a unique and intimate experience with art history. As you leave, remember Lugt’s vision. The Fondation Custodia ensures the safekeeping of art for generations to come.