Vincent van Gogh, the iconic Dutch painter, spent two years in Paris from 1886 to 1888. He moved to Paris to be closer to his brother Theo, who was an art dealer in the city. During his stay in Paris, Van Gogh frequented many cafes and art galleries, where he met other artists and discussed art.
Montmartre
One of Van Gogh’s favorite neighborhoods in Paris was Montmartre. This area was known for its bohemian lifestyle and artists’ community.
Van Gogh lived there for a while at 54 Rue Lepic with his brother Theo. It was here that Van Gogh created many of his famous paintings such as “Starry Night Over the Rhone” and “The Bedroom”.
Café Guerbois
Café Guerbois was a popular café among artists in Paris during Van Gogh’s time. He often visited this café to meet with other artists such as Émile Bernard, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Paul Gauguin. The café also hosted exhibitions of contemporary art.
La Belle Hortense
Another café that Van Gogh frequented was La Belle Hortense. This café is still open today and is known for its cozy ambiance and fine wine selection. It was a popular spot among writers and intellectuals during Van Gogh’s time.
Salon des Indépendants
The Salon des Indépendants was an annual exhibition of contemporary art held in Paris during Van Gogh’s stay there. It showcased works by emerging artists who were not part of any formal association or academy. Van Gogh exhibited some of his work here in 1887.
Conclusion
Van Gogh’s time in Paris was a significant period in his life and artistic career. He was exposed to a diverse range of artists and art styles, which had a profound impact on his work.
The cafes and galleries that he frequented in Paris are still popular today among artists and art enthusiasts. Visiting these places can give one a glimpse into the world that Van Gogh was a part of during his stay in Paris.