Paris 1920 / Montmartre / Fernand Laval / House Of Mimi Pinson & Georges Bizet / Oil On Canvas

ernand Laval (1886–1966) Maison de Mimi Pinson à Montmartre, 1920 Oil on canvas signed lower left, with the inscription "Montmartre" lower right On the reverse: handwritten inscription "Montmartre, rue Saint-Cenis, maison de Mimi Pinson – 1920" Exhibited at the Galerie André Roussard (Montmartre) in 1955 A vibrant witness to old Montmartre by a close friend of Utrillo. This oil on canvas dated 1920 by the Montmartre painter Fernand Laval, a close friend of Maurice Utrillo, depicts one of the emblematic houses of the Butte: the Maison de Mimi Pinson, popularized by Alfred de Musset. Painted on the spot, this snowy scene emotionally recreates a Montmartre that has now disappeared, since this building was later destroyed. The work, signed lower left and inscribed "Montmartre" lower right, is also annotated on the reverse: "Montmartre, rue Saint-Cenis, maison de Mimi Pinson – 1920", confirming its precise location, its subject and its date of execution. A rare detail: the house of Georges Bizet Behind the facade of Mimi Pinson's house, we can see another historic building, the former home of the composer Georges Bizet, the author of Carmen. This discreet but significant detail gives the work an unexpected cultural depth, linking painting, literature and music in the same urban space frozen by the artist. A post-impressionist vision with a sensitive touch Laval belongs to this generation of artists faithful to the popular Montmartre. His impasto and vibrant touch, his muted and wintry tones illuminated by luminous highlights translate a sensitive and poetic vision of the urban landscape. It is part of the post-impressionist tradition, while asserting its own plastic personality, marked by the intimacy of Montmartre life. The work was exhibited at the Galerie André Roussard (13 rue du Mont-Cenis, Montmartre) in 1955, in a space that has become emblematic of the Butte painters. This provenance attests to Laval's inclusion in the circle of recognized artists in the district.

49 x 65 without frame
69 x 83 with frame very beautiful molded wooden frame