“Ever heard of an artist who painted his way across continents?” I ask. Today, we find ourselves on Rue Antoine Barbier. It is a street in Lyon named for a remarkable artist. Antoine Barbier was no ordinary painter. He was born in Saint-Symphorien-de-Lay in 1859. He died in Lyon in 1948. Barbier was an acclaimed watercolorist and orientalist painter.
Rue Antoine Barbier is a modern street. It was opened around 2009. The street sits on land once used for professional education. It begins at Rue Louis Guérin. This is behind the Clinique du Parc. The street ends at Rue de Genève. It faces Rue de Hanoï.
Antoine Barbier led a fascinating life. At twelve, he lived with his older brother. His brother was preparing to be a priest in Algeria. Barbier explored different paths for some years. He worked as a topographer and a bank employee. He even worked at the Grand Bazar de Lyon. Later, a family opportunity arose. He became the manager of a vineyard in Turkey.
Barbier then became a professor. After that he was appointed as an ornamental painter. This was at the court of Tsar Ferdinand I of Bulgaria. It was between 1887 and 1895. Though he lacked formal training, he excelled. He designed ornamentation for the Royal Palace. He also worked on the summer residence on the Black Sea. His inspiration was the classicism of French art. This was appreciated by the oriental courts. It was during this period that he honed his skill. He perfected the art of watercolor. He created portraits of court ladies and others.
Political instability forced his return to Paris in 1895. There, he became an illustrator and poster artist. He also took painting courses. This was a turning point. Soon, he exhibited in Lyon. The Société Lyonnaise des Beaux-Arts recognized his talent.
Barbier married Lucie in 1900. She shared his artistic interests. They settled in Lyon and had four children. Three of them showed great artistic talent. He co-founded the Société des Aquarellistes. Barbier gave art lessons. These were for members of high society. He also traveled widely seeking inspiration. His paintings reflect these travels.
Antoine Barbier’s life was one of dedication. He was a tireless worker. He remained outside mainstream artistic movements. Yet, he earned the respect of art lovers. They appreciated his skill. He was a master of watercolor. He captured the landscapes of Lyon and its region.
Today, Rue Antoine Barbier is home to various services. A city-built daycare center stands here. In 2020, ten medical professionals had offices here.
As you walk along Rue Antoine Barbier, remember the artist. He traveled far from Lyon. He returned to leave his mark on the art world. His legacy lives on in his paintings. It also lives on in the name of this street. A street that connects people and honors a great artist.