The origins
From the outset, the fight against trafficking in cultural goods.
After the First World War, France was devastated. Against this backdrop, the export of works of art and entire sections of architecture flourished.
The Sauvegarde de l'Art Français was created in 1921 to oppose this practice, described as "elginism".
Central scene of the east frieze of the Parthenon (-438/-432)British Museum
This term, coined by Edouard Mortier, founder of Sauvegarde, refers to the act of stripping buildings of their precious artistic elements and deporting them. It refers to Lord Elgin, who removed the friezes from the Parthenon in 1801.
Sauvegarde's founding battle was to prevent the export to the United States of Alan's Cow, sculpted on the pediment of the bishop's palace in this Haute-Garonne village.
Thanks to a nationwide campaign, Edouard Mortier was able to prevent its sale.
The Aims of « La Sauvegarde ». (1926)La Sauvegarde de l’Art Français
After preventing the export of works from France, Edouard Mortier travelled to the United States to convince American collectors to protect French art in situ and to contribute charitably to its restoration.
Foule sur le transatlantique (1926) by photographie du duc de TréviseLa Sauvegarde de l’Art Français
In 1925, he embarked on a journey that would take him to more than 50 conferences across the United States. He took with him numerous photographs and films in his crusade to protect French heritage.
Bulletin de la Sauvegarde de l’Art Français (1926)La Sauvegarde de l’Art Français
The approach was both simple and ahead of its time. In every city he visited, Édouard Mortier spoke to the upper classes, who were once fond of French art, to convince them to protect it in France, not to buy it.
It presents numerous projects to safeguard France's endangered heritage, and proposes that these committees adopt and finance a restoration project.
The New York committee thus saves a magnificent Renaissance door, the sale of which would have meant the loss of its region of origin. Originally from the Château des Bordes in Urzy, the Porte du Diable is now housed in the Nevers courthouse.
The campaign is accompanied by media and publicity campaigns. The Franco-American friendship forged during the First World War makes the Sauvegarde de l'Art Français rescue campaign a resounding success.
La Sauvegarde's actions today
Chapel Notre-Dame-de-Béneauville à Chicheboville (Calvados)La Sauvegarde de l’Art Français
A patron of French heritage
Today, Sauvegarde de l'Art Français continues the noble cause of its founder. In 2017, it was recognized as a foundation of public utility, and is an operating and redistributing structure that supports rural communities in preserving their heritage.
Support for religious heritage
Each year, the Foundation allocates an average of 1.5 million euros to help restore around a hundred buildings.
A bequest made in 1972 by the Marquise de Maillé, the second president of the Sauvegarde, has enabled us to come to the rescue of this fragile heritage.
Présentation de la croix à l’Enfant Jésus by Jean TasselLa Sauvegarde de l’Art Français
Le Plus Grand Musée de France
In 2013, Sauvegarde de l'Art Français is launching a campaign to promote the movable heritage of our communities: Le Plus Grand Musée de France. For the Sauvegarde, the greatest museum in our country is the one in our territories:
Le Plus Grand Musée de France
In every square, church and town hall, there are marvels of art that are often overlooked. This campaign, initiated by students from all disciplines, is now mobilizing not only employees of major companies, but also high-school students and local authorities.
Les lycéens à la découverte du Plus Grand Musée de France à Dunkerque (2023)La Sauvegarde de l’Art Français
The aim is simple: to make everyone aware of the beauty of the public works of art that surround us. By mobilizing young people in particular, Sauvegarde hopes to create a collective awareness of the need to protect our common heritage.
Promoting heritage and research
Through a policy of awards, the Sauvegarde supports initiatives by civil society, promotes knowledge of heritage and encourages research into art history.
Each year, the foundation highlights a heritage theme in its magazine Patrimonial.
It can also count on a network of volunteer experts (architects, art historians) and regional correspondents to support its battles.
Chapel Notre-Dame-de-Béneauville à Chicheboville (Calvados)La Sauvegarde de l’Art Français
100 years on, still fighting today
More than ever, more than a hundred years after the creation of the Sauvegarde, the fight to protect our heritage is a subject dear to the hearts of the French.
Preserving what makes up our common heritage, making it known and loved, such is the vocation of the Sauvegarde de l'Art Français.
Archives de la Sauvegarde de l'Art Français
Romain Bassenne
La Sauvegarde de l'Art Français
