Rue Montmartre, Paris 1888

Childe Hassam painted ‘Rue Montmartre, Paris’ at the turn of the 20th century, capturing a slice of Parisian life. Hassam’s choice of subject matter is revealing, as this was a time when Paris was a popular subject for American artists, eager to depict the vibrant and modern European city. The buildings represent the height of Parisian architecture, and they stand proudly in the background. However, Hassam diverts from that. A flower seller in the foreground has a basket brimming with colour and the eye is encouraged to linger on the street’s inhabitants. By depicting everyday life, Hassam democratizes Parisian art. This approach aligns with the broader Impressionist movement, which challenged the art establishment's traditional focus on historical or mythological scenes. To truly appreciate this work, one might delve into the Parisian social structure of the late 19th century, examining how class and commerce shaped the city's culture and visual arts. Such research illuminates the socio-political context that informed Hassam's artistic choices.