The musée des beaux-arts de Valenciennes is a municipal museum in the French town of
Valenciennes. Its collections originated as the collection of the Académie valenciennoise de peinture et de sculpture. It opened to the public for the first time in 1801 and was moved into the town hall in 1834.
A competition to design a new building was held at the end of the 19th century, won by
Paul Dusart. The new building was opened on 27 June 1909 and in 1995 was totally renovated and the display space expanded, with the addition of a basement displaying archaeological remains and artefacts.
As well as paintings, it includes several sculptures by
Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux (1827–1875), born in the town, as well as a prints and drawings department and
Paintings
Much of the collection is by Flemish artists, though also includes some French and other artists. It dates from the Middle Ages to the 20th century:
Flemish and Dutch painting - Primitives to 17th century
Descent from the Cross,
Peter Paul Rubens, oil on canvas (17th century)
Saint Stephen Triptych (formed of The Martyrdom of St Stephen, The Preaching of St Stephen, The Annunciation and The Angel of the Annunciation) by
Peter Paul Rubens, oil on canvas and panel (1600–1650).
Elijah and the Angel in the Desert and The Triumph of the Catholic Faith (from The Triumph of the Eucharist cycle),
Peter Paul Rubens, oil on canvas (1626–1628).
Still Life with Ham,
Jacob van Es, oil on canvas (17th century).
Herminius in the Shepherds’ Home,
Olivier Le May, oil on canvas, 1785.
Landscape with Rainbow,
Peter Paul Rubens and studio, oil on canvas (17th century).