Luigi Loir painting Paris
From the fall of the Empire in 1870 until 1914, the new economic exposition generated a period of pleasure and “joie de vivre”.
Paris was humming with action and its source of happiness became myth. Paris was living in the opulence of the “Belle Epoque”. Directed by Baron Haussmann and the landscape architect, Alphand, the boulevards, parks and buildings were demolished, restored, rebuilt, constructed… | |
The new face of Paris appeared amidst a fever of novelty. The economy was flourishing and a myriad new places to live it up opened their doors: The Moulin Rouge, the dance halls, theatres, cafés… The bottom of the “butte” teemed with cabarets and shows from where artists such as Toulouse Lautrec, Valadon, Maurice Denis, Luigi Loir drew their inspiration. In the world of fashion, designs overflowed with audacity. Department stores were packed with innovation. Emile Zola named them the “Cathedrals of commerce”.
The Expositions Universelles exploited all this impertinence. The food trade was enriched with new produce. Society was entering the new era of consumption… It was in this context that Luigi Loir evolved, using his talent to serve the society of the ‘Belle Epoque”. |
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PARIS
Paris, projet de cartes postales
6 aquarelles | |
On this card, edited around 1885, the lower right hard side is purposefully blank, destined for various advertisers. The edition is English. Luigi Loir’s talent was already recognised outside France. |
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Le Boulevard Henri IV, near to the Panthéon
An autumn evening after the rain near the Panthéon. The rendering is lively and spontaneous. A very Impressionist technique emanates from this word. | |
The magnificent dome of the Invalides in a theatrical setting, a few frozen silhouettes on snow-covered pavements and the coachman returning from a day’s work. Luigi Loir presents the world of the Paris suburbs. Snow near to the Val de Grâce | |
| | Rue de la santé et le Val de Grâce
Huile sur toile - 50 x 34 cm | Le Val de Grâce - l'oeuvre est exposée au "Salon des Sciences" à l'Hôtel de ville de Paris |
| | Dôme de l'église du Val de Grâce | Certificat commande et livraison de cette oeuvre |
The Val de Crâce, the odl abbey which became a military hospital after the French revolution, was a source of inspiration to Luigi Loir. Here art several versions of this monument in varying seasons and lighting. L’Ile de la Cité - Bateau-lavoir Airy and luminous, this work gives out a calm and harmonious atmosphere. The summer sky is reflected in the water. The laundry wash sheds which no longer exist today line up alongside the quays of l’Ile de la Cité. |
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La Cité, marché aux fleurs A delicate watercolour, a very light-handed sketch. Luigi captures the patches of red from the flowers before they wilt. |
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L’Ile de la Cité et la Sainte Chapelle
Huile sur panneau - 1888 Horses pulling an omnibus, an elegant Parisian taking his daughter for a walk, passers by reflected in the glistening street… the tender image of the figures contrasts with the ridid architecture of the houses. |
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L’Ile Saint Louis The smoke is always present creating the atmosphere which is characteristic of Luigi Loir's pictures. |
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Seine in Paris This work is luminous and colourful. Paris is painted with the colours of Italy, a nostalgic memory from his childhood. | Café parisien
After a careful study, he rapidly paints the atmosphere of the suburbs under a veil of mist.
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| portrait de Luigi LOIR | Le quai Saint Michel et Notre Dame au crépuscule |
| « Inondation Quai des Augustins » During the Paris floods in 1879, Luigi Loir is drawn th the reflections and shimmer of water. He was so famous for his landscapes and scenes depicting water that satirical humorists named him the « Hydropathe ». |
Along the quays, the parapets are strewn with treasure chests. The 'bouquinistes' and their boxes full of surprises attract collectors and the curious. |
Les quais sous la pluie |
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Le Rond Point des Champs Elysées |
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In 1894 the cycle joined carriages and omnibuses on the streets. The bicycle, was known as the "Petite reine - little queen" and cycling was the elegant sport. For many years the 'Sainte Vélo" celebrated cycle day on a Sunday in June along the Champs Elysées. bicycles decked with flowers went up and down the anenue in front of an admiring crowd. |
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Mr.