Paris Doorways

 

From Nectarines to doorways

Yesterday Suzanne asked me to repaint the doorway from Provence.

Which got me thinking about Paris’ best doorways. Evidently the most beautiful doorway is at the Petit Palais golden door built especially for the 1900 Exhibition (which I’ve never attempted to paint 🎨). No wonder.

I did draw the doorway of l’Hôtel de Chenizot for the l’Île Saint Louis map, 

Also considered one of Paris’ most beautiful doorway. I see I successfully misspelled CHENZIOT in my usual dyslexic fashion 🙄

The Rococo Neptune-themed relief work on this doorway at 51, rue Saint-Louis-en-l'Ile is spectacular.

It’s almost impossible to photograph the full doorway in all its glory, much less draw it. The street is simply too narrow. Sometimes the doorway is open. Anyone can walk into the courtyard, which is not so impressive.

FYI, The Rococo style began in France in the 1730s as a reaction against the more formal and geometric Louis XIV style. It was known as the "style Rocaille", or "Rocaille style". And usually features scallop shells, gorgons, Neptune and other underwater themes.

I once did a Rococo Christmas Paris letter! Believe me, you cannot live in Paris without becoming somewhat Rococo-ized. You’re surrounded.

The same goes for Art Nouveau in Paris. Another beautiful top Paris doorway is at 29, Avenue Rapp, 7th arrondissement. By designed in 1901 by architect Jules Lavirotte.

This door I drew for the Art Nouveau Paris map 🗺️

You cannot imagine my surprise recently, over dinner when Art historian, Rosemary ,

My next door neighbor has a beautiful, historic doorway I’m determined to paint.

The chimera, hidden in shadow, protects les portes cochéres/carriage doors 🚪 Supposedly a chimera is a mythological monster made up of various animal parts. But she/he seems rather angelic to me.

My personal favorite doorway, but not famous, is at 21, boulevard Saint Germain, 75005.

Thanks to Google Maps this is the first time I’ve seen the full doorway. It was built in 1881- 1882 by Arte Nouveau architect Jean-Marie Boussard.

The Caryatid sculptures are after supporting the porch of the Erechthelon, Athens Greece. 

Can I just show you this stunning lion door ornament?

And a lion door knocker on the Île?

By the way, it is a big deal to change the color of a front door. Certainly on Ile Saint Louis. You need the approval of le syndic of each building. It can take weeks to months.

Have you fallen back to sleep 💤 yet PBers? 

Is Sunday becoming boring history day at PB? (SBHD)

What? No desserts?

Do you have a favorite Paris doorway🚪? Please do tell 🙏

Please stop in my Paris gift 🎁 shop

❤️Bon Dimanche PBers ❤️

WAIT! This Sundays is Paris Kayak Day!!