'La Butte Montmartre' by Lucien Génin (circa 1930s)

'La Butte Montmartre', gouache on art paper, by Lucien Génin (circa 1930s). Génin's portraits of Paris and its people are charming and colourful. For lovers of the city, the artist's paintings arouse both affection and nostalgia without being overly sentimental.

The steep rise in Paris which is Montmartre was the artistic heart of the city. In this work, Génin depicts, among others, the small building which houses the well known cabaret venue, Au Lapin Agile. The Lapin Agile was bought in the early twentieth century by the cabaret singer, comedian, and nightclub owner Aristide Bruant to save it from demolition. It became a favourite spot for struggling artists and writers including Picasso, Modigliani, Apollinaire and Ultrillo. Anyone who felt an outsider felt at home in this venue. With its colourful history and renown, it is no wonder Genin included it in his many images of Paris. The artwork is in good overall condition and signed by the artist in the lower left hand corner. It is in its original, characterful frame with glass and a linen slip. Please enjoy the many photos accompanying this listing. Upon request, a video of the piece may be provided.

About the Artist: After the devastation of the First World War, Lucien Génin (1894 - 1953) left his provincial home in the autumn of 1919 to find his fortune among the lively Parisians in the heart of Montmartre. Génin befriended the painters Frank Will, Gen Paul, Émile Boyer as well as Max Jacob and Dorival. Not concerning himself with producing "art", he beautifully captured the spirit of Paris between the wars while enjoying a truly Bohemian existence. Génin's works, in all their forms, perfectly convey the eclectic and friendly characters of the city. More than a painter of Paris, Génin is a painter of Parisians, of the passion that animates all his characters in the big city. He painted them in the alleys of Montmartre, dining on Place du Tertre, singing in the Lapin Agile, or in a car passing by on the grands boulevards. He exhibited his works at the Salon d'Automne in 1930. Those paintings were witness to the end of the Roaring Twenties and the beginning of the world depression of 1929. The art critics stated that he created intelligent, composed, colourful, sensitive, skilful, delicate, humorous and witty works of art. A painting by Lucien Génin was awarded an important prize from the Art Institute of Chicago in 1932. 

When they do become available, Génin's artworks inspire spirited bidding at international auction houses as values increase along with his stature in the art world. This gallery holds several works by Génin on this platform. Please feel free to make enquiries.

Dimensions with frame:

H 37 cm / 14.6"

W 42 cm / 16.5"

Dimensions without frame:

H 22 cm / 8.7"

W 27 cm / 10.6"