Created in 2002 on the initiative of the Cercle Montherlant, the « Prix du Cercle Montherlant – Académie des beaux-arts » rewards each year an illustrated book about art written in French. The prize amounts to 10,000 euros, shared between the author (8,000 euros) and the publisher (2,000 euros). Since 2023, it has been financially supported by Mr Philippe Bénacin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Interparfums. The year 2026 marks its 24th edition.

The prize will be awarded in the autumn of 2026 and presented during the formal session of the Académie des beaux-arts, held under the dome of the Palais de l’Institut de France on Wednesday 18 November 2026 (learn more).

Meeting on 16 June 2026 at the Palais de l’Institut de France, the jury shortlisted five of the nineteen books submitted:

• Les Contemplations de Victor Hugo, illustrées par les débuts de la photographie, introductions by Florence Naugrette and Hélène Orain Pascali (Éditions Diane de Selliers)
• Les maîtres de l’affiche, by Nicholas-Henri Zmelty (Éditions Citadelles & Mazenod)
• Les sculptures de Michel-Ange : le vrai, l’incertain et le faux, by Jean-René Gaborit (Éditions Faton)
• Surréalismes, by Thierry Dufrêne (Éditions Citadelles & Mazenod)
• La parade des fleurs. Leçons de peinture, by Clélia Nau (Éditions Hazan)

Books published since 1 September 2025 and originally written in French may compete for the 2026 prize.

Translations, collective works and exhibition catalogues are excluded, as well as works having benefited from an editorial contribution or support from a member of the Institut de France.

The jury assesses the overall quality of the work (editorial, illustrative and textual). The balance between text and illustrations is an important criterion in the selection process.