Marine and the Painters: Four Centuries of Art and Power

In 2026, the National Maritime Museum will celebrate a major anniversary: 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 earliest portraits of ships under Louis XIII to modern visions of the 20th century, testify to this privileged relationship between art and power. The exhibition highlights the contributions of painters, draughtsmen, and engravers, exploring the themes of trade, war, and exploration. An exceptional collection, including rarely exhibited works, allows us to understand the evolution of maritime representation. The event is co-organized by the French Navy, the Association of Painters of the Navy, and the museum. The exhibition will run from May 13th to August 3rd, 2026.