Welcome to automn, step into the gardens …
Rue Cortot 75018 Paris
EXPOSITION : Suzanne Valadon, Maurice Utrillo, André Utter: 12, rue Cortot
Le Musée of Montmartre dedicates this exhibition in celebration of Suzanne Valadon’s 150th birthday. A showcase of 150 works depicting the creative complicity and intimacy of these three artists. The “Infernal Trio” as they were known, left their mark on the art world. At the turn of the 20th century, the studios of 12 – 14 rue Cortot were an important creative centre, and home to numerous artists. Suzanne, her partner André Utter and her son Maurice lived in this studio from 1912 to 1926. Valadon was Renoir’s favorite model, and it was Toulouse-Lautrec who called her Suzanne whose name at birth was Maria Clémentine. She was known as one of the first women painters of her generation.
The garden of Renoir, and other artists who occupied this studio and residence.
The entry sector of the garden: “If you paint a tree without using a model, your imagination will only supply you with a few leaves: but Nature offers you millions, all on the same tree. No two leaves are exactly the same. The artist who paints only what is in his mind must very soon repeat himself.”~ Piere-Auguste Renoir (1841 – 1919)
La Balonçaire, (The swing), painted in 1876 by Auguste Renoir, was presented at Exposition in 1877, and was badly received by the critics. It was purchased by Gustave Caillbotte (as recounted in Museum of Montmartre placard marking the actual swing, balanced on a large spring).
Enter the painter’s world ….
Self – portrait painted 1883 Suzanne Valadon. “The greatest artists are those who impose their personal vision upon humanity.” ~Maupassant (1850 – 1893), Preface to Pierre et Jean, 1887.
Studio, beloved home of the heart of the artist, whomever he or she may be….
Storage and more storage of canvas, frames, paints, wipe cloths, props, old works, bits of inspiration, and memories of a richly emotional life.
Could have just stepped out of the time machine from the past….
The feel is cosy; production is at times vast and far away as well as ever-present and lively, reflected in prolific production.
Collecting inspiration, perhaps?
Study; as if Maurice were young ….
Study; a boy and and his easel.
Study; boy painter….
Woman with black hair, work of Suzanne Valadon.
Woman with red hair and a tarot reader, work by Suzanne Valadon.
The quintessential studio piece.
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