The art of the Middle Ages and Renaissance formed the foundation of the Museum collections. This core is owed to Paul Marmottan’s father, Jules, who at the end of the 19th century put together a considerable ensemble of masterpieces which was later enriched by an outstanding collection of illuminations. More than 300 pieces, including landmarks in the history of art by such as Lorenzo Monaco, Belbello da Pavia, Girolamo da Cremona, Jean Fouquet, Jean Bourdichon, Jean Colombe, Jean Perréal and Giulio Clovio, constitute one of the treasures of this museum, and indeed of French public collections generally.