What Was Happening in Paris in the 1890s?

By Anna Duncan

Paris in the 1890s was a vibrant and exciting city, bustling with art, literature, and culture. It was a time of great change and transformation, with new ideas and movements emerging in every corner of the city. Let’s take a closer look at what was happening during this fascinating era.

The Belle Epoque

The 1890s were part of the Belle Epoque (Beautiful Era), a period of peace and prosperity in France that lasted from the late 19th century to the outbreak of World War I. Paris was the cultural capital of Europe during this time, attracting artists, writers, and intellectuals from all over the world.

Art

One of the most significant art movements of the time was Impressionism, which had emerged in Paris in the 1870s. Impressionist artists such as Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Edgar Degas rejected traditional techniques and instead focused on capturing fleeting moments of light and color. Their works were often characterized by loose brushwork and a sense of movement.

Another important movement that emerged in Paris during this time was Post-Impressionism. Artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cézanne, and Georges Seurat used bold colors and experimental techniques to create highly expressive works that pushed beyond Impressionism’s boundaries.

Literature

The 1890s were also an important time for literature in Paris. The city was home to some of the greatest writers of all time, including Marcel Proust, Émile Zola, Guy de Maupassant, and Oscar Wilde.

Proust’s masterpiece In Search of Lost Time (also known as Remembrance of Things Past) was published between 1913-1927 but its seeds were sown during his time in Paris at the end of the 19th century. The novel is a meditation on memory, time, and the nature of art, and it remains one of the most influential works of literature in history.

Entertainment

Paris in the 1890s was also a city of entertainment. The Moulin Rouge, which opened in 1889, was the most famous cabaret in Paris and attracted visitors from all over the world. Its signature dance, the can-can, became a symbol of French culture and remains popular to this day.

Other popular forms of entertainment included circuses, music halls, and theaters. The Folies Bergère was another famous cabaret that featured extravagant costumes and sets, while the Théâtre de l’Oeuvre showcased avant-garde plays by innovative playwrights such as Alfred Jarry.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Paris in the 1890s was a time of great artistic and cultural innovation. Impressionism and Post-Impressionism were challenging traditional ideas about art, while writers such as Proust were pushing the boundaries of literature.

At the same time, Parisians were enjoying a range of exciting entertainment options that reflected their city’s vibrant spirit. Today, we continue to look back on this era with fascination and admiration for its many achievements.