Perhaps the most unassuming street you’ve ever seen. Rue Ernest Hebert is a quiet lane in the 16th arrondissement. Today we’ll explore its history and significance.
Rue Ernest Hebert is named after the painter Ernest Hebert. He was born in Grenoble in 1817. Hebert first studied with Benjamin Rolland. Rolland was a student of David. He then joined the studio of sculptor David d’Angers. Later, he studied with Paul Delaroche.
In 1839, Hebert became a lawyer. That same year, he won the Grand Prix of Rome for historic painting. This prize opened the doors of the Villa Medici to him. Arriving there in 1840, Hebert explored. He visited Naples in 1842. There, he copied antiques at the museum. In 1843, he studied Renaissance masterpieces in Florence.
Hebert returned to Paris in 1848. He painted “Malaria”. This painting brought him success at the Salon of 1850. In 1853, he returned to Italy. He created two notable works. These were “The Girls of Alvito” and “The Cervarolles”. “The Girls of Alvito” won a medal at the Universal Exhibition of 1855.
For eight years, Hebert lived in Paris. He became part of artistic circles. A friend of Princess Mathilde, he attended her salons. He met artists and writers such as Taine and Flaubert. He also received commissions, including from the imperial family.
Hebert excelled at portrait painting. He captured the social status of his subjects. These commissions gave him financial stability. Hebert primarily painted women from Parisian high society.
In 1867, Hebert became the director of the Villa Medici. In 1872, he painted “Virgin of the Deliverance”. It was displayed at the Universal Exhibition of 1889. He became a member of the Institute in 1874. He returned to Paris and taught at the Beaux-Arts.
Hebert was made Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour in 1896. In 1900, he received the Grand Cross at the Universal Exhibition. Rue Ernest Hebert was created in 1927. It sits on the former site of bastion number 58. This bastion was part of the old Thiers wall.
The street is quite short. It measures just 73 meters in length. Its width is 20 meters. At number 1 Rue Ernest Hebert, the actor Bourvil lived. He died at this address. Buildings at numbers 2-4 are the Walter buildings. They were constructed in the 1930s. The Bois de Boulogne is also nearby.
To get here, take Metro line 9 to La Muette station. Alternatively, take RER line C to Avenue Henri Martin station. Several bus lines also stop near Rue Ernest Hebert. These include lines 32, 63, and PC. The closest bus stop is Ernest Hebert. It is only a one-minute walk away.
Ernest Hebert’s legacy lives on through this street. It connects us to a time of artistic innovation and cultural richness. As you stroll down Rue Ernest Hebert, remember the artist. Remember his dedication to capturing beauty and emotion on canvas.