# Charles Alexandre de Calonne

> French statesman and art collector (1734-1802); his collection was sold in Paris, 21-30 April 1788

**Wikidata**: [Q437832](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q437832)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Alexandre_de_Calonne)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/charles-alexandre-de-calonne

## Summary
Charles Alexandre de Calonne was a French statesman and art collector (1734–1802) known for his role in French finance and his extensive art collection, which was sold in Paris from 21–30 April 1788. His contributions to French governance and his private art patronage left a notable mark on 18th-century France.

## Biography
- Born: January 20, 1734
- Nationality: French
- Education: Attended the University of Paris
- Known for: Serving as a magistrate and economist, and amassing a significant art collection
- Employer(s): None explicitly listed, but active in French political and administrative roles
- Field(s): Politics, economics, art collection

## Contributions
- **Art Collection Sale (1788)**: De Calonne’s private collection, valued at over 10 million livres, was auctioned in Paris from April 21 to 30, 1788. The sale included works by Gerard ter Borch the Younger, Claude Lorrain, Nicolas Poussin, and François Boucher, reflecting his refined taste in art.
- **Political and Administrative Roles**: Served as a magistrate and economist, contributing to French governance during his lifetime. His financial expertise and administrative skills were instrumental in shaping economic policies of the era.

## FAQs
**What was Charles Alexandre de Calonne known for?**
De Calonne was known for his role as a French statesman and his extensive art collection, which was sold in Paris in 1788. His contributions to finance and governance left a lasting impact on 18th-century France.

**Where did Charles Alexandre de Calonne study?**
He attended the University of Paris, where he pursued his education.

**What was the significance of De Calonne’s art collection sale?**
The sale of his collection in 1788 was a major event, featuring works by renowned artists and reflecting his refined taste in art. The auction generated significant financial value for the time.

**What were De Calonne’s primary fields of work?**
He worked in politics, economics, and art collection, serving as a magistrate and economist while amassing a notable art collection.

## Why They Matter
Charles Alexandre de Calonne’s art collection sale in 1788 was a pivotal event in French cultural and economic history. His private patronage of the arts and his contributions to finance and governance shaped the cultural and economic landscape of 18th-century France. The sale of his collection not only generated substantial revenue but also highlighted the wealth and influence of the aristocracy during that era. His legacy endures in the historical record of French art and finance, influencing subsequent generations of collectors and policymakers.

## Notable For
- **Art Collection Sale (1788)**: Organized one of the most significant private art auctions of the 18th century, featuring masterpieces by leading artists.
- **French Statesman**: Served in key administrative and financial roles, contributing to the governance of France.
- **Art Patronage**: Amassed a collection valued at over 10 million livres, reflecting his refined taste and significant financial resources.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Charles Alexandre de Calonne was born on January 20, 1734. He attended the University of Paris, where he pursued his education. His early years were marked by a strong foundation in both classical and modern studies, setting the stage for his future contributions to politics and economics.

### Political Career
De Calonne served as a magistrate and economist, playing a significant role in French governance. His financial expertise and administrative skills were instrumental in shaping economic policies during his lifetime. His work in these fields had a lasting impact on the economic landscape of France.

### Art Collection and Sale
One of De Calonne’s most notable achievements was his extensive art collection. The collection included works by Gerard ter Borch the Younger, Claude Lorrain, Nicolas Poussin, and François Boucher, among others. In 1788, he sold his collection in Paris from April 21 to 30, generating significant financial value. The sale was a major event in French cultural history, reflecting his refined taste and substantial wealth.

### Legacy
Charles Alexandre de Calonne’s legacy is preserved in the historical record of French art and finance. His contributions to governance and his private patronage of the arts continue to influence subsequent generations of collectors and policymakers. The sale of his collection remains a landmark event in the history of French cultural and economic development.

## References

1. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
2. Biographie universelle ancienne et moderne
3. BnF authorities
4. Integrated Authority File
5. [Source](https://man8rove.com/fr/profile/gy2ytp3b3-anne-rose-de-nettine)
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
8. SNAC
9. RKDartists
10. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
11. Calonne, Charles-Alexandre de
12. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
13. Virtual International Authority File
14. [Source](https://archive.org/details/handbooktoenviro00thoruoft/page/706/mode/2up?q=marryat)
15. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
16. Enciclopedia Treccani
17. LIBRIS. 2018
18. Dizionario di Storia