Rue Abel-Truchet

Hidden within the 17th arrondissement, Rue Abel-Truchet whispers tales of a Parisian painter. Rue Abel-Truchet isn’t just a street. It’s a tribute to Louis Abel-Truchet, the artist who captured the vibrant nightlife of Paris at the turn of the 20th century. Originally known as “Passage Caroline,” Rue Abel-Truchet received its current name on April 24, 1928, honoring the painter who had passed away a decade earlier. Abel-Truchet, a student of Benjamin Constant and Jules Lefebvre, immortalized the electric atmosphere of the Belle Époque, his post-impressionist style adding a unique charm to his depictions of Parisian life. He wasn’t confined to canvases, however. He designed sets for Montmartre cabarets, his artistic touch extending to the vibrant world of entertainment. He even participated in the “Vachalcades” of the Cabaret des Quat’z’Arts, contributing to the lively parades. His connection to the Gallé family, a bourgeois family from Creil, further enriched his life. He gifted several paintings to Ernest Gallé, whom he affectionately called “uncle” despite no blood relation. His artistic journey took an unexpected turn during World War I. As a lieutenant in the 1st Engineer Regiment, his artistic skills were put to a different use. He became the deputy of Guirand de Scevola, the head of the camouflage section, leading the central workshop in Paris. This war-time experience added another layer to the life of the man whose name graces Rue Abel-Truchet. The street, therefore, stands not only as a testament to an artist who captured the spirit of Paris, but also to a man who served his country in a time of conflict. The next time you stroll down Rue Abel-Truchet, remember the artist who painted the city’s heart and soul.