Moulin Rouge 

Antoine Blanchard's "Moulin Rouge" captures a romanticized vision of Parisian street life. The painting evokes a sense of nostalgia, reflecting a time gone by. Blanchard, working in the mid-20th century, frequently depicted scenes from the Belle Époque. This era, spanning from the late 19th century to the start of World War I, was a period of optimism, peace, and cultural innovation in France. The Moulin Rouge itself, prominently featured here, became a symbol of Parisian nightlife and entertainment during that time. Blanchard's choice to repeatedly revisit this imagery suggests a longing for that era. However, it’s worth noting that Blanchard painted these scenes long after the Belle Époque had ended. His works catered to a market that romanticized Paris, potentially overlooking some of the era's social complexities. As historians, we can examine period photographs, newspapers, and social commentaries to understand the multifaceted reality of the Belle Époque, and how artists like Blanchard shaped its enduring image.