A little sense of mystery has always been part of European Heritage Days. Whether it is revisiting gothic castles and abandoned historic buildings, or exploring hidden histories of local heritage sites, European Heritage Days events often help uncover forgotten stories and amazing urban secrets.

A similar sense of mystery will be evoked this weekend during European Heritage Days in Moulins, Allier, where a long lost painting by a renowned artist Marcellin Desboutin will be presented to the public for the first time after 28 years.

Stolen from Anne de Beaujeu Museum in 1989, Desboutin’s The Portrait of Madame Ackermann has been considered a lost treasure. Earlier this year, as the institution was preparing a retrospective on the artist, the intriguing face of Mme Ackermann reappeared in an inexplicable way.  

The painting will once again be available to the public and, before any restoration work is done, it will be exhibited within European Heritage Days!

On 16th and 17th September, the lovers of art, heritage and mystery, will have an opportunity to enjoy this 19th century masterpiece and discuss its mysterious reappearance. It will also be an occasion to review the life and work of Desboutin, who remained an important regional artistic figure despite the fact he primarily worked in Paris and Nice.

Known for his historic portraits, most notably that of his friend and fellow painter Edgar Degas, Marcellin Desboutin’s art skill is famous in art circles. With the return of The Portrait of Madame Ackermann, both art historians and the general public will have a chance to expand their understanding of his work.

This is only one of the mysteries that will be unveiled during one of the most exciting cultural weekends in France! For more details about the events in other regions of France, visit this interactive map or browse the events on our portal.

Photo credits and story source: Le Figaro