The Artists of Montmartre

During our family visit to Paris, we explored Montmartre, the historic neighborhood that rises above the city on its northern side. This photograph of our daughters was taken among the artists’ stalls near the Place du Tertre, not far from the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur.

By the late nineteenth century, Montmartre had become home to a remarkable community of painters, writers, performers, and musicians. Its inexpensive rents, cafés, cabarets, and distance from the more formal center of Paris attracted artists seeking both freedom and companionship. Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec, Suzanne Valadon, Maurice Utrillo, Modigliani, and Picasso were among those associated with the neighborhood.

The Place du Tertre continues that artistic tradition. Painters, portrait artists, and caricaturists display their work beneath awnings and work at easels in the open air. Although the square now attracts visitors from around the world, it still allows art to be experienced as something being created, discussed, purchased, and enjoyed within the life of the street.

A nearby sign points toward Espace Dalí, a permanent collection devoted primarily to Salvador Dalí’s sculptures and engravings. Its presence reflects how thoroughly art has become part of Montmartre’s identity, extending from the works sold in the square to museums and galleries tucked into its surrounding streets.

Traveling with our daughters allowed us to experience art in many different settings. In Montmartre, they could watch artists at work, browse the paintings displayed beneath the awnings, and see how art remained part of the neighborhood’s everyday life. This photograph captures a memorable part of our family visit to Paris. Surrounded by artists and their work, our daughters were experiencing a tradition that has defined Montmartre for generations.