In Montmartre: Picasso, Matisse and the Birth of Modernist Art

In Montmartre chronicles the artistic revolution that emerged in Paris between 1900-1910, centered in the hillside neighborhood where Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and other pioneers of modern art lived and worked. The narrative follows these artists through their daily lives, relationships, and creative breakthroughs in the years leading up to World War I. Sue Roe reconstructs the world of cafes, studios, and salons where these revolutionary painters and their contemporaries gathered. The text draws from letters, journals, and firsthand accounts to portray the economic struggles, rivalries, and artistic innovations of figures including Georges Braque, André Derain, and Gertrude Stein. Through detailed historical context and cultural analysis, Roe examines how this specific time and place sparked dramatic shifts in artistic expression. The book illuminates the birth of Cubism, Fauvism, and other modernist movements that transformed 20th century art.

Readers highlight the book's detailed portrayal of the art community in early 1900s Paris and its focus on the relationships between artists. Many note its accessible writing style for newcomers to art history. Readers appreciated: - Rich historical context and atmosphere of Montmartre - Coverage of lesser-known artists alongside Picasso and Matisse - Clear explanations of artistic movements and techniques - Inclusion of maps and photographs Common criticisms: - Jumps between multiple storylines, creating confusion - Lacks depth on individual artists' work processes - Too much emphasis on social gatherings over artistic development - Limited discussion of actual paintings Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (280+ ratings) One reader noted: "More social history than art analysis, but brings the era alive." Another wrote: "Needed better organization - feels like following too many characters at once." Some reviewers suggested reading other books first to gain foundational knowledge of the artists and period.

The Private Lives of the Impressionists by Sue Roe Chronicles the interconnected lives of Monet, Manet, Renoir, and other Impressionist painters in 19th-century Paris through their daily routines, financial struggles, and artistic breakthroughs.

Van Gogh: The Life by Steven Naifeh, Gregory White Smith Examines Van Gogh's life in Montmartre and his relationships with fellow artists through letters, documents, and interviews with contemporary witnesses.

The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris by David McCullough Documents the migration of American artists, writers, and doctors to Paris between 1830-1900, revealing their experiences in the city's flourishing cultural scene.

The Yellow House: Van Gogh, Gauguin, and Nine Turbulent Weeks in Arles by Martin Gayford Details the period when Van Gogh and Gauguin lived together in Arles, exploring their artistic collaboration and the events leading to their dramatic falling out.

Matisse: The Life by Hilary Spurling Traces Matisse's journey from his early days in Paris through his evolution as an artist, including his interactions with other modernist painters and his role in shaping twentieth-century art.

🎨 Montmartre's iconic Bateau-Lavoir building, where Picasso lived and worked, got its name ("Washing Boat") because its rickety structure swayed like a Seine River laundry barge when the wind blew. 🎨 Author Sue Roe spent five years researching the book, including extensive time in Paris retracing the footsteps of the artists through their old neighborhoods and haunts. 🎨 The theft of the Mona Lisa from the Louvre in 1911 initially led to suspicions about Picasso and his circle, as they had previously been involved in purchasing stolen artifacts from the museum. 🎨 The book reveals how African art, particularly masks and sculptures, profoundly influenced the development of Cubism after Matisse showed Picasso his collection of African artifacts in 1906. 🎨 The famous Lapin Agile cabaret, featured prominently in the book, allowed impoverished artists to pay for their drinks and meals with paintings—many of which later became extremely valuable works of art.