“A private commission for a dining room?” you might ask. Yes, the Allée des Naiades wasn’t always here in Villiers-sur-Marne. It began its journey as a captivating painting titled “Les Naiades” by the renowned French artist Jean-Jacques Henner in 1877.
This large-scale artwork, an unusual endeavor for Henner, was commissioned by Mr. and Mrs. Soyer for their mansion’s dining room on rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré in Paris. Imagine, six nude, red-haired nymphs gracing the walls, their ethereal presence adding a touch of mythology to their everyday meals.
The painting later found its home at the Musée National Jean-Jacques Henner, acquired by Marie Henner herself in 1920. While the Allée des Naiades may be miles away from its namesake’s original Parisian setting, the story of these water nymphs, born on canvas and brought to life through Henner’s masterful brushstrokes, continues to intrigue. The Allée des Naiades, a street name echoing a tale of art, mythology, and a grand Parisian dining room.