The Institut suédois was established in 1971 with the aim of showcasing the art collection of the Institut Tessin, which was founded by the art historian Gunnar W. Lundberg. This collection, which reflects Franco-Swedish artistic relations from the 17th to the 20th century, boasts some 6,000 paintings, drawings, watercolours, engravings, sculptures, medals and antiquarian books, which since 1982 have been placed under the stewardship of the Nationalmuseum, Stockholm.
From May 2025 onwards, we will be presenting the collection from a new perspective and showcasing some of its hidden treasures. This fresh presentation explores the schools of thought, interests and tensions inherent in the Enlightenment, a period which in many respects reflects our own. In parallel, an exhibition will be devoted to the work of the French artist, architect and engraver Louis Jean Desprez (1743–1804).
The Institut suédois and the Nationalmuseum have asked Otto Ruin to spearhead this new presentation in collaboration with a team of curators and art historians from both institutions. Ruin is an art historian specialising in the visual culture and history of ideas in the late 18th-century, especially in France. His work forms part of the “young researchers” programme at the Nationalmuseum, which allows them to carry out research directly among the museum’s collections. Otto Ruin is also an art critic who writes for the Swedish press.