Louis-Jean Desprez: the Swedish Institute dedicates a monographic exhibition to the artist, our photos

Painter, engraver, architect and traveler, Louis-Jean Desprez left his mark on the 18th century with his dramatic and enigmatic works. Fifteen of these works can be admired free of charge at the Swedish Institute. This monographic exhibition, part of the new layout of the permanent exhibition, runs from May 17 to October 26, 2025.

He's a mysterious artist, but well known to fans of fantastical landscapes and chimerical universes. Louis-Jean Desprez, painter, architect, engraver, theater designer and traveler, is being honored this spring and summer in Paris. TheSwedish Institute is devoting a free monographic exhibition to his work from May 17 to October 26, 2025.

So why did theSwedish Institute, which usually honors Scandinavian artists, choose to exhibit works by Louis-Jean Desprez? Some may not know it, but French artist Louis-Jean Desprez (1743-1804) played a key role in relations between France and Sweden in the 18th century. Although the Auxerre native was destined for a successful artistic career between Paris and Rome, he was finally hired by Swedish King Gustav III. The latter hired him as decorator of the Royal Theatre in Stockholm. Numerous creations followed, revitalizing the theatrical scenography of the time. This year, theSwedish Institute has decided to pay tribute to the French artist, who died in 1804, 12 years after the assassination of the King of Sweden.

This small exhibition, entitled " Between Worlds " , brings together some fifteen works by the painter and engraver. All can be admired on the second floor of the sublime Hôtel de Marle, which has housed the Swedish Institute since 1971.

This is an opportunity to discover one of his most famous works: " La Chimère de Monsieur Desprez ". Dating from 1771, this print reveals a three-headed creature devouring its human prey, surrounded by other monstrous beasts and skeletons. Obscure and intriguing, the work is bound to intrigue, demonstrating its author's fascination with a world haunted by vanished civilizations.

Drawing his inspiration from ancient ruins, fantastical landscapes and monumental architecture, Louis-Jean Desprez alternates between the imaginary and the real. Around 15 of his works (prints, etchings, drawings...) will be hung on the walls of the Hôtel de Marle for the occasion.

While most of his work is now on show at Stockholm's Nationalmuseum, theSwedish Institute offers us the opportunity to discover or rediscover the dramatic and enigmatic works of Louis-Jean Desprez. An exhibition that should be of interest to anyone wishing to learn more about this little-known 18th-century artist.

Note that this monographic exhibition is part of the Scandinavian Cultural Center's new permanent exhibition, located in the next room. This is an opportunity to admire works by Gustaf Lundberg, Alexander Roslin, Louis Belanger and Bernard Picart, who focuses on the religious customs of the Sami people.

Louis-Jean Desprez: the Swedish Institute dedicates a monographic exhibition to the artist, our photos

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