Artwork
Boulevard Montmartre
Boulevard Montmartre is a print by the Impressionist artist Maxime Lalanne. It dates from 1884 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
The artist used quick, sketchy lines to show movement and crowds, with no color—just black and white.
This sketch shows a busy Paris street lined with tall, narrow buildings. People walk along the sidewalk, some sitting under trees or gathered in small groups. The artist used quick, sketchy lines to show movement and crowds, with no color—just black and white.
The street sign says *Boulevard Montmartre*, and the date "Paris 1884" is written in the corner. The artist focused on everyday city life, not polished details.
Next, look up Realism to see how artists captured ordinary scenes like this one.
Overview
Boulevard Montmartre is a print by French artist Maxime Lalanne, created in 1884. It is a depiction of a busy street scene in Paris.
Subject & Meaning
The print shows the Boulevard Montmartre, lined with tall buildings, where people walk, sit, or gather in groups. The scene captures the everyday urban life of late 19th-century Paris, focusing on movement and crowds rather than detailed representations.
Technique & Style
Lalanne used quick, sketchy lines in black and white to convey the dynamism of the scene. The lack of color and emphasis on expressive lines characterize the work's style, prioritizing the capture of urban activity over precise detail.
History & Provenance
The print is dated 'Paris 1884' and is part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art.
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Artist & collection
Artist
François Antoine Maxime Lalanne (November 27, 1827 – July 29, 1886) was a French artist known for his etchings and charcoal drawings (fusain).
Rue des Marmousets (Old Paris)
View from the Louvre
Quay Montebello
Paris
La rue des Quatre Vents
Paris Street Scene
Tourelle en Fontaine Rue d'Ecole de Medicines demolies en 1877
La Rue Pirouette aux halles, Paris (Pirouette Street, Near the Markets, Paris)
Place de l'Opera
View from St. Michel Bridge
Rue du Coq St. Jean
Boulevard Montmartre