Jean Dampt, 1854-1945 : tailleur d'images

Exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts, Dijon, 7 November 2025 – 9 March 2026

An iconic Burgundian sculptor of the Symbolist and Art Nouveau movements, Jean Dampt explored the medieval period through religious and legendary themes. He devoted much of his career to portraiture and aspired to be a total artist, also working in cabinetmaking, jewellery and goldsmithing.

Sponsored by the Countess of Nansouty in Burgundy, then by the Countess of Béarn, Martine de Béhague, in Paris, whose mansion he decorated (now the Romanian Embassy), Dampt was close to French artists such as Paupion, Aman-Jean and Dagnan-Bouveret, as well as foreign artists such as Gemito and Schwabe. Despite failing to win the Prix de Rome, Dampt received numerous commissions.

This exhibition catalogue highlights the research carried out over several years that has led to the rediscovery of Jean Dampt's works. Among the more than 160 works on display, on loan from French and European institutions and private collections, some 30 sculptures by the artist come from collections in Dijon.