Rue Hermel à Montmartre 1899

Frédéric Houbron made this watercolor painting of Rue Hermel in Montmartre. We see a bustling street scene, full of everyday life in Paris at the close of the 19th century. Montmartre, known for its artistic community, was undergoing significant social and physical changes during this time. The painting captures a moment in the city's transformation as it modernized and expanded. The street is lined with shops, and we see people from different social classes going about their daily business. How does Houbron represent this moment of change? We might consider the shifting social fabric of Montmartre, its gentrification, and its increasing appeal to artists and tourists. A look into archival photographs and historical documents can provide context for understanding Montmartre as both a real place and a symbol of modernity. The interpretation of art, after all, depends so much on its historical and institutional backdrop.