How did a street earn the name Rue Eugène Baudin? This small street in Lyon carries the name of a remarkable Lyonnais painter. Eugène Benoît Baudin was born in Lyon in 1843. He died in 1907 in the 6th arrondissement.
Eugène Baudin’s artistic journey began at the École des Beaux-Arts de Lyon. He studied under Claude Bonnefond. He also studied with Marc Laurent Bruyas and Jean-Marie Reignier. Baudin initially worked as a simple draftsman. He worked for the Lyonnaise factory Agnès Bresson et Cie. He quickly rose to become the factory’s primary designer. In 1865, he opened his own drawing office. He continued this until 1896.
Baudin created numerous paintings. His subjects included flower bouquets and portraits. He was a founding member of the Salon d’automne de Lyon. Baudin’s talent gained recognition during his lifetime. In 1983, the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon held an exhibition dedicated to his work. This exhibition further solidified his place in Lyon’s artistic history.
Rue Eugène Baudin itself has a unique charm. It is a small street nestled between older buildings. These buildings typically have two to three stories. The street runs from Rue des Bains to Rue des Trois Maisons. Note the architectural details. At number 5, the door has original cross reinforcements. At number 6, observe the wooden pillars that reveal the framework. This creates an open space.
Baudin’s connection to this area is significant. He was born at 10 Rue des Quatre Chapeaux. A plaque commemorates this fact. He later died at his home at 51 Rue Montbernard. Remember that he was celebrated for his flower paintings.
Eugène Baudin’s son, Henri Baudin, also had an interesting career. Born in Lyon in 1882, Henri studied sculpture. He then became an actor known as “the man of a hundred faces”. Also, don’t confuse this street with Rue Bodin in the first arrondissement. Rue Eugène Baudin was formerly named Rue des Jardins. This area was developed before the mid-19th century. Today, you will find a cabinet of speech therapists here.
So, as you stroll along Rue Eugène Baudin. Take a moment to appreciate the legacy of Eugène Baudin. He was a talented painter and a true Lyonnais. His artistic contributions enriched the cultural heritage of Lyon.