French

Student of the well known French flower painter, Georges Jeannin, François Martin made his debut at the Paris Salon in 1876.
This painting by Martin portrays the spirit of the new Paris created under the reign of Napoleon III and erected by the great 19th century architect Haussman.   This “Belle Epoque” of Paris lasted between 1880 and 1914 and saw the glorious rise of art, music, architecture, theatre, literature and industry.  Paris became a city of grand wide boulevards punctuated by monument adorned squares.  
Martin’s painting describes the Place de la Republique with her monumental statue and grand architecture dominating the composition.  The artist captures the vitality and mood  of the city of Paris; horsedrawn carriages, elegant figures, kiosks and lampposts.