In New York City, Jeanette has been told about an art school called the Académie Julian. Now in Paris, in Chapter Eight, as soon as she and Effie have rented an apartment, they set out to find it. The school, which admitted women students (unlike the national École des Beaux-Arts) was located in the Passage des Panaromas, a shopping arcade that ran—and still runs—north from the rue Saint-Marc to the boulevard Montmartre. Jeanette and Effie walk its length and are momentarily baffled when they find themselves here, on the boulevard beside the Theatre des Variétés. I have stood at this very spot; the passage would be to the right if it were in the oil sketch, but it is more fun to imagine it peopled by men in top hats and ladies in elegant costume.
The date of this oil sketch is unknown, but the woman's clothes should be a clue. My guess is ca. 1885. Does anyone have a more informed view?
The date of this oil sketch is unknown, but the woman's clothes should be a clue. My guess is ca. 1885. Does anyone have a more informed view?