 | ||
| Famous re-opening handbill of the Chat Noir by Théophile Alexandre Steinlen (1859-1923)
|
 |
The upcoming Book Three of Petit Paris is titled Chat Noir, French of Black(Noir)Cat(Chat).
A unique name to citizens of Montmartre in Paris. The first cabaret there founded by Rodolphe Salis in 1881. A place for pianists, shadow play performers, artist, writers, poets, musicians...all about arts!
During the era of French Belle Époque, the golden age from 1872-1914, here, Montmartre was a paradise to the high and middle classes.
 |
| Shadow play scene by Henri Rivière (1864-1951) |
Le Chat Noir, Moulin Rouge, Maxim, Bateau-Lavoir, Place du Tertre,Sacré-cœur, Musée de Montmartre, Espace Dali...all well known!
 |
| A portrait of Rodolphe Salis by Pierre Poterlet (1804-1881) |
A small village was transformed into a modern world. The long forgotten suffering city during in the Franco-Prussian War and the 1871 Paris Commune which brought communards buried alive on the butte of Montmartre - where the Basilica of Sacré-cœur was built later from 1876-1919.
What a sad history, it seems no where on earth can be vaccinated from War!
Same fate to the underclass, who barely shared any "fruit" from the flourish golden age; here, in Montmartre.
In the years between WWI & WWII, Francisque Poulbot who lived here, created illustrations, posters mostly concerning the living & needs of street kids; and at the same time, satirized the foolishness of War!
I shall say the feeling to Montmartre is "complicated". Wherever I see the prosperous side through its architecture/ history, it always link to the sorrow behind; but may be that's why it is so attractive, with a touch of regrettable and unforgettable...
P.S.: All photos are taken from the Musée de Montmartre.
