Galerie Roger-Viollet, La Seine, Le Grand Colbert

 

On weekends, just like every tourist who crosses my bridge, Pont de Sully, 

I stop & take pictures of Parisians relaxing along the Seine. It’s addictive, especially in Summer 

I would love to paint 🎨 this scene, especially the water…I’m practicing💧 

Yesterday I was delighted to see an entire exhibit

Devoted to life along the Seine at Galerie Roger-Viollet. 

From 1860 to 1960, the appearance of the two banks of La Seine is constantly changing because of craft and commercial activities.  *Did you know the Seine is more than 14,000 years old? Though many changes have been made, the Seine has remained mostly the same since 12,000 BC

One year ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games ceremony, Galerie Roger-Viollet celebrates the Seine and tells its story through 86 photographs available for the first time as limited edition numbered modern prints.  

*Did you know the Seine is a centennial river, which means every year there is a one in 100 chance the river will flood. In 1910 Parisians had to travel by boat during a record flood of 8,62 meters above the Pont d’Austerlitz.

As soon as I arrived at the gallery opening (at 9:30 am) I thought why didn’t I tell Elaine Sciolino about this show, but author of  the wonderfu, The Seine, The River That Made Paris.

I created a Seine map for Elaine’s book tour

Back to the Seine exhibit. From 1909, an amphibious ’l’amphibocycle’. 

Today, bicycles and pedestrians have replaced cars on the banks of the river, 

But at the turn of the 20th century it was more usual to come across itinerant wigmakers, dog-shearers, cowherds selling fresh milk and quilters who rewound the wool of mattresses, 

while coachmen came to wash and water their horses.

The Galerie Roger- Viollet opened in 1938

It is a historic photographic resource 

containing 6 million images, covering more than a century and a half of Parisian, French and international history.

And has a fascinating history. Do visit if you are in Paris at 6, rue de Seine 75006. *Did you know the Seine 

had a real influence on the way Parisian streets were numbered. Streets perpendicular or oblique to the river always have their first number at the entrance to the street on the side closest to the Seine.

If you’re not in Paris, watch the Seine fabulous video.

Meanwhile I’ve been doing intense research 🔬at Le Grand Colbert ☕️ for the June letter, to be completed shortly 👍🤞🙏☺️

Thank You dear PBers for the wonderful response to last weekend’s watercolor Sale. All orders have been shipped 📬

I will continue to add more cups to Etsy. Do visit s’il vous plait

Cheers, Carolg 

❤️ Bonne Friday ! ❤️