Marius Girard mixed media original painting Paris Street scene 1974

Marius Girard watercolour and Ink Montmartre

Marius Girard was born in Rheims, France, probably in 1927. He attended regular school and college until age 19, then studied at several art academies. His artistic studies were interupted by national service where he spent time in Algeria. His only occupation had ever been as an artist.

Back in mainland France, he worked at the Citroen factories but spent all his free time painting.

He painted at the Place du Tertre, in Montmartre where he met many other well known artists who frequented this famous area of Paris.

Soon he moved into a cellar in the square and made a living by selling his paintings. Later, when success came, he set up his studio at 18 Rue Saint Rustique, 75018 in Paris. 

Marius Girard paints the Butte, the Moulin Rouge and the Sacré Cœur, but all of Paris inspired  him, and his views of the Canal de l'Ourq are particular favourites.

His painting is free and spontaneous, never repetitive, in line with Utrillo and Korovine.  Marius Girard was inseparable from the Place du Tertre. He deploys an assertive talent as a colorist, and his palette, full of liveliness and optimism, is very recognizable.

Girard's works were published in lithographs and postcards, and by the 1970s he was often cited as the most reproduced French painter in the country. in 1972, one of his postcards had been selling constantly for over 15 years

In 1972 and 1973, he left for the United States and Canada, where, changing his inspiration for once, he painted numerous urban landscapes of the New World.

Girard painted 135 watercolor paintings for the lobby and rooms of the Hotel Hilton in Paris. 

This painting is an original watercolour and ink framed in its original 1970's frame. Signed and dated 1974. It shows the Cadet de Gascogne cafe  Montmartre Paris with Sacre Coeur in the background. The painting has the usual hall marks of a Girard paiting with fabulous colour and a sense of movement and vibrancy the area is so well known for. 

Measures 70 cm x 55 cm full size 

Due to the glass this piece is collection or courier only. Please just contact us for a delivery quote.