What isLa Belle Epoque?
During this time, several aspects of Parisian culture saw important developments.
What sparked such an all-encompassing golden age?
Mary Cassatt, “Woman with a Pearl Necklace in a Loge,” 1879 (Photo:Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain)
To find out, one must contextualize this cultural event within history.
As a result, the new government was faced with the task of rebuilding Paris.
In any case, these projects ushered in a new period of Paris:La Belle Epoque.
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Cultural Contributions
Iconic Architecture
Palais Garnier’s interior, postcard from 1909.
(Photo:Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain)
Paris' architectural developments during La Belle Epoque cannot be understated.
Until the 1870s, mostFrench paintersclung to the traditional tastes of theAcademie des Beaux-Arts.
English: The rue de Rivoli after the fights and the fires of the Paris Commune, Paris 4th arr. In the background, the hôtel de ville de Paris, 1871 (Photo:Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain)
This prestigious Parisian organization held annual salons that exhibited a carefully selected collection of art.
Typically, the jury favored works featuring conventional subject matter, from historic portraits to religious allegories.
They held independent exhibitions, and eventually came to be known as theImpressionists.
Palais Garnier’s interior, postcard from 1909.(Photo:Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain)
The Impressionists paved the way for other modernist movements, including color-crazyFauvism, abstract-mindedCubism, and eclecticPost-Impressionism.
Notable Writers
Portrait of Victor Hugo (ca.
Among its most influential figures were short story pioneerGuy de Maupassantand Naturalist novelist, playwright, and journalistEmile Zola.
Jules Chéret, “Bal du Moulin Rouge,” 1889 (Photo:Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain)
In fact, it was during the war that La Belle Epoque retroactively received its romantic name.
He who contemplates the depths of Paris is seized with vertigo, Victor Hugo wrote.
Nothing is more fantastic.
Portrait of Victor Hugo (ca. 1871) (Photo:Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain)
Nothing is more tragic.
Nothing is more sublime.
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