Gertrude Stein was a prominent American writer and art collector who made Paris her home in the early 20th century. The city became a hub for artists, writers, and intellectuals of the time, and Stein played a pivotal role in shaping its cultural landscape. In this article, we will explore where Gertrude Stein lived in Paris and its significance in her life and work.
Early Years in Paris
Stein first arrived in Paris with her brother Leo Stein in 1903. They rented an apartment at 27 rue de Fleurus, which would later become famous as the site of their salon. The siblings were avid collectors of modern art and began to acquire works by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and other avant-garde artists.
The Salon at Rue de Fleurus
The Steins’ salon became a gathering place for artists and writers such as Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ezra Pound, and Guillaume Apollinaire. It was here that Stein coined the phrase “Lost Generation” to describe the disillusioned youth of the post-World War I era.
54 Rue de Fleurus
In 1914, Stein moved to a larger apartment at 27 rue de Fleurus with her partner Alice B. Toklas. They lived there until 1925 when they moved to their final residence in Paris at 5 rue Christine.
5 Rue Christine
Stein’s last home in Paris was a charming medieval house located on a quiet street near the Seine. It was here that she wrote some of her most famous works such as “The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas” and “Tender Buttons”. The house also served as a meeting place for artists such as Picasso, Georges Braque, Juan Gris, and Francis Picabia.
Legacy
Gertrude Stein’s influence on Parisian culture cannot be overstated. She not only collected and championed modern art but also wrote innovative and experimental literature that challenged conventional norms. Her legacy continues to inspire writers and artists around the world.
- Key Takeaways:
- Gertrude Stein lived in several apartments in Paris, including 27 rue de Fleurus, 5 rue Christine.
- She hosted a famous salon at 27 rue de Fleurus, where she entertained some of the most important writers and artists of her time.
- Stein’s final home in Paris was 5 rue Christine, where she wrote many of her most famous works.
In conclusion, Gertrude Stein’s life and work were deeply intertwined with the city of Paris. Her homes in the city played an integral role in shaping her legacy as a writer and art collector. Today, visitors to Paris can still see some of the places where she lived and worked, offering a glimpse into a fascinating period of cultural history.