“Why do they call it Avenue Pauline?” whispered a tourist, clutching her map. It’s a fair question. Avenue Pauline in Paris doesn’t readily reveal its secrets. This wide, elegant avenue, lined with stately buildings, feels a world away from the bustling heart of Paris. And yet, hidden beneath its grand facade lies a story – a tale of wartime intrigue, artistic passion, and the enduring power of family legacy. Avenue Pauline owes its name not to a famous Parisian, but to a battle. The Battle of Malakoff, a pivotal victory during the Crimean War, resonated far beyond the battlefields. The victory inspired a wave of national pride, leading to Parisian streets being named after the heroes and triumphs of the war. Our Avenue Pauline, you see, was once part of a much longer thoroughfare, Avenue de Malakoff. It was only in 1957 that the section we stand on today was given its own identity, a change made to honor the memory of Jules Strauss. Strauss, a Jewish banker and art collector, once graced this very street with his presence. He lived a life steeped in beauty, his home adorned with Degas, Renoirs, Monets – a collection that spoke of a refined taste. But the story of Avenue Pauline, much like Strauss’ own life, is not without its shadows. During the Nazi occupation of Paris, his art collection, his sanctuary, was systematically stripped away. Imagine the anguish, the silent heartbreak as his beloved paintings disappeared, swallowed by a tide of intolerance and greed.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to