Les grands boulevards, 1900 - 1953

Lucien Adrion
1889-1953 I French

Les Grands Boulevards

Signed “Adrion” lower right
Oil on canvas

This magnificent painting, Les Grands Boulevards, was painted by Lucien Adrion, a French Post-Impressionist renowned for his evocative portrayals of French landscapes and Parisian life. This work captures the vibrant energy of a quintessential Parisian boulevard under a radiant blue sky. Pedestrians, cars and horse-drawn carriages animate the bustling street, evoking a vivid sense of movement and life. Adrion's dreamlike, Impressionist brushstrokes lend the scene both depth and dynamism, drawing the viewer into the sensation of standing on a balcony, witnessing the vibrant essence of Paris unfold in real-time—a timeless snapshot of the city’s charm and vitality.

Born in Strasbourg, France, Adrion began his artistic journey as a draftsman before relocating to Paris in 1907. Like many artists of his time, World War I profoundly influenced his career, leading him to work and study in London, Berlin and Paris. While in Berlin, he trained under prominent figures such as Hermann Struck and Franz Ritter von Struck, both influential mentors of Marc Chagall.

Adrion's artistic achievements gained prominence with his first solo exhibition at Galerie Chéron in 1921. By 1926, he made a significant impact at the Salon des Indépendants, where he became a regular exhibitor. His success continued with notable displays at the Salon d’Automne in 1940 and the Salon des Tuileries in 1941, where he showcased a series of landscapes. His works remain highly sought after today.

20th century

Canvas: 23 1/8" high x 31 1/2" wide (58.74 x 80.01 cm)
Frame: 29 3/4" high x 38" wide x 3" deep (75.57 x 96.52 cm)