The “L’Empire des Sens” [The Empire of the Senses] exhibition gives a sensual touch to Paris musée Cognacq-Jay. About sixty paintings and drawings shine a light on the intimacy and libertinism that marked the 18^th century. The exhibition was initially expected to be on from December 2, 2020 to March 28, 2021 but it will be running in 2021, celebrating the 250^th anniversary of painter François Boucher’s death.

The artist was the first painter of king Louis XV and was considered as a master of lustful and erotic paintings. The exhibition at the Musée Cognacq-Jay gathers his boldest works, alongside works by his peers: Jean-Baptiste Greuze, Jean-Honoré Fragonard and Antoine Watteau. These paintings come from public and private international collections. Some are displayed for the very first time in France.

You softly start the exhibition with the characters’ first excitements. Over the paintings and drawings, you feel your desire arouse slowly until it is fulfilled. The “L’Empire des Sens. De François Boucher à Jean-Baptiste Greuze” exhibition is an erotic journey to the 18^th century. These pictures of the past unveil sensual and women pleasure in the Enlightenment society.

The Musée Cognacq-Jay houses many works of art from the 18^th century within its permanent collections. They can be visited for free. The museum is set in the former house of La Samaritaine department stores founder, Ernest Cognacq. The permanent collections are often filled with new works. After discovering the “L’Empire des Sens” exhibition, do not hesitate and have a look at the rest of the museum.