Curatorial notes
Antoine Blanchard painted this oil on canvas depicting the Theatre des Varietes in Paris. Blanchard, born in 1910, spent his career painting idealized scenes of Paris from the Belle Époque. This painting invites us to reflect on how historical periods are often romanticized. The Belle Époque, remembered as an era of peace and prosperity, was predominantly experienced by the upper classes, as it masked social inequalities that were deeply rooted in gender, race and class. Blanchard’s paintings were nostalgic for a bygone era, yet they were produced during a period of rapid social change and upheaval. By recreating scenes from the past, Blanchard offered viewers an escape from the complexities of the present. How do we negotiate the tension between nostalgia and a critical awareness of the past? As you stand here, consider how Blanchard's vision of Paris shapes your own understanding of its history.