The square has been a hub for artists since the French Revolution, attracting famous names like Picasso and Monet.
During the Belle Époque from 1872 to 1914, many artists lived and worked in Montmartre, where the rents were low and the atmosphere congenial. Pierre-Auguste Renoir rented space at 12 rue Cortot in 1876 to paint Bal du moulin de la Galette, showing a dance at Montmartre on a Sunday afternoon. Maurice Utrillo lived at the same address from 1906 to 1914, and Raoul Dufy shared an atelier there from 1901 to 1911. The building is now the Musée de Montmartre. Pablo Picasso, Amedeo Modigliani and other artists lived and worked in a building called Le Bateau-Lavoir during the years 1904–1909, where Picasso painted one of his most important masterpieces, Les Demoiselles d'Avignon. Several composers, including Erik Satie, lived in the neighbourhood. Most of the artists left after the outbreak of World War I, the majority of them going to the Montparnasse quarter.
Artists' associations such as Les Nabis and the Incohérents were formed and individuals including Vincent van Gogh, Pierre Brissaud, Alfred Jarry, Jacques Villon, Raymond Duchamp-Villon, Henri Matisse, André Derain, Suzanne Valadon, Edgar Degas, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Théophile Steinlen, and African-American expatriates such as Langston Hughes worked in Montmartre and drew some of their inspiration from the area.
The last of the bohemian Montmartre artists was Gen Paul (1895–1975), born in Montmartre and a friend of Utrillo. Paul's calligraphic expressionist lithographs, sometimes memorializing picturesque Montmartre itself, owe a lot to Raoul Dufy.
Among the last of the neighborhood's bohemian gathering places was R-26, an artistic salon frequented by Josephine Baker, Le Corbusier and Django Reinhardt. Its name was commemorated by Reinhardt in his 1947 tune "R. vingt-six.
During the 1950s, Paris continued to thrive as a hub for artistic innovation, building upon the foundations laid by the avant-garde movements of the early 20th century. The city’s art scene was characterized by a mix of established and emerging artists, galleries, and institutions.
La Ruche and the School of Paris
La Ruche, a complex of studio apartments and facilities in Montparnasse, served as a creative hub for many artists, including those associated with the School of Paris. This group, active from the 1940s to the 1970s, was known for its abstract and figurative styles, often blending elements of Cubism, Fauvism, and Surrealism. Notable artists affiliated with the School of Paris include Arthur Aeschbacher, Jean Bazaine, Leonardo Cremonini, Olivier Debré, Chu Teh-Chun, and Zao Wou-ki.
Photographers of the 1950s Paris
Several photographers, such as Sabine Weiss, Christer Strömholm, Peter Miller, and Maurice Sapiro, captured the essence of 1950s Paris through their lenses. Strömholm, a Swedish photographer, lived in Paris for extended periods between 1946 and 1964, documenting the city’s streets, walls, and shadows. Sapiro, an American-born artist, focused on painting and photography, often capturing scenes along the Seine River and in the city’s historic neighborhoods.
Galleries and Exhibitions
The 1950s saw the establishment of new galleries, such as Perrotin and Templon, which showcased the work of both established and emerging artists. The Salon de Mai, founded in 1947, continued to feature exhibitions by prominent artists, including those associated with the School of Paris. The Galerie de France, another prominent venue, hosted exhibitions that helped launch the careers of many artists.
Artistic Ferment
The post-war period brought a renewed sense of artistic ferment to Paris. The city’s art scene was characterized by a mix of traditional and avant-garde styles, as well as a growing interest in abstract art. The influx of foreign artists, including those from the United States, Great Britain, and Eastern Europe, contributed to the city’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Key Locations
Montparnasse, with its iconic La Ruche complex, remained a hub for artists, while the Left Bank, particularly the 6th and 14th arrondissements, continued to attract creatives. The Champs-Élysées and the Seine River provided popular settings for street performers, artists, and photographers. The historic neighborhoods of Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Montmartre remained popular destinations for art lovers and enthusiasts.
Legacy
The 1950s Parisian art scene laid the groundwork for the city’s continued status as a global art hub. The period saw the emergence of new artistic movements, the establishment of prominent galleries and institutions, and the continued innovation of artists from around the world. Today, Paris remains a city where art, culture, and creativity thrive, building upon the foundations of the 1950s and beyond.
