Marine and the Painters. Four Centuries of Art and Power

In 2026, the National Maritime Museum will celebrate a major milestone: the 400th anniversary of the French Navy. The exhibition “The Navy and the Painters. Four Centuries of Art and Power” offers an unprecedented dive into the world of the artists who captured the essence of maritime conquest. More than 150 works, ranging from the paintings of Louis XIII to modern visions of the 20th century, will be displayed. This initiative, co-organized by the French Navy and the Association of Marine Painters, sheds light on the crucial interaction between art, power, and the maritime imagination. The exhibition explores the deep links between artistic creation and the history of navigation, revealing how artists have shaped our perception of the sea. It is part of a broader project aimed at redefining our relationship with the history of the Navy. Visitors will thus be able to admire rarely consulted works, testifying to a rich and complex artistic tradition. The exhibition is open from May 13 to August 2, 2026.