A vibrant street unfolds before you. This is Rue Alphonse Rodet. It’s a charming street in Lyon’s 8th arrondissement. Named after the renowned Lyon-born painter Alphonse Rodet. His life is as colorful as the houses lining this street.
Alphonse Rodet a painter and silk designer lived a fascinating life. He spent his early years in Lyon. His father owned a small mechanics workshop. Later the family moved to Anneyron. Young Alphonse excelled in his studies and apprenticed in a pottery factory. The family returned to Lyon. Alphonse became a ‘dessinandier’. This was a term used in Lyon to describe a silk designer. He worked as a designer for half a century combining his passion for painting.
During World War I Alphonse served in the French army. He managed to get leave to marry Adeline Devaux. She was also a silk designer. They shared a love for art and a life in Lyon. Their home was a creative hub filled with vibrant colors and artistic pursuits.
Rodet’s legacy extends beyond his impressive body of work. Over 1950 artworks are attributed to him. Many reside at the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Lyon. His still lifes are especially noteworthy. They display extraordinary skill and attention to detail. He was a regular at the Salon d’Automne. His tragically ended life is well documented. He died at 85. He jumped into the Rhone River after receiving a letter. The letter was from the tax collector. It reprimanded him for failing to declare his studio.
The houses on Rue Alphonse Rodet reflect the vibrancy of Lyon itself. Built mostly in the mid-20th century they are a testament to the area’s transformation. Originally a terrain for market gardeners they now stand as cozy homes painted in cheerful colors. The asymmetrical roofs and varied architectural styles create a unique charm. Some are close to the street others nestled further back in their gardens. The street has evolved. It’s now a quiet residential street. But it echoes with the memory of Alphonse Rodet his art and his dramatic end. His name lives on. He is remembered for his remarkable artistic contributions and his tragic story. So take a moment absorb the ambiance. You are standing on a street steeped in history and artistry. A vibrant tribute to a unique Lyon artist.