By Lucien Génin
Located in London, GB
'Restaurant du Coucou Montmartre Paris', gouache on paper, by Lucien Génin (circa 1930s). "The rather inaccessible position occupied by the Restaurant du Coucou has saved it, so far, to the coterie of artists, actors, journalists, and literary folk who, with their friends, make up its clientele. It perches like a bird's nest on the steep hillside which surrounds the Sacré Cœur. In front of the picturesque, dilapidated old building which is the restaurant proper, lies a tiny square, the name of which I shall not give - for if you have not the energy to find it, you don't deserve to know about the Restaurant du Coucou." (Ref: 'Paris à la Carte', by Julian Street, published by John Lane Co., 1912). Lucien Génin certainly chronicled Paris and its people. Although most of his works depicted famous buildings and boulevards of the city, he also knew the bohemian hideouts, particularly in Montmartre. The Restaurant du Coucou seemed to be one of those places. Its chef and proprietor, Vincent, came from Asti in Italy and managed to run la maison with the aid of his wife and three children. Don't you love an artwork with a story? The painting itself is in good overall condition and is in the frame and glass in which it was acquired, nicks, scratches and blemishes at no extra charge. There are some minor blemishes on the mount to which the artwork is attached. Please enjoy the many photos accompanying this listing. Upon request a video will be provided. The artist signed the work in the lower left hand.
About the Artist: After the devastation of the First World War, Lucien Génin (1894 - 1953) left his provincial home in the autumn of 1919 to find his fortune among the lively Parisians in the heart of Montmartre. Génin befriended the painters Frank Will, Gen Paul, Émile Boyer...
Category
1930s Lucien Génin Art