“From D’Aragon to Zola, the literary Paris unfolds at the Roger-Viollet Gallery. Until February 1, 2025, a captivating photographic exhibition invites visitors to stroll through the literary landscape of Paris. This city, a muse to many, has inspired writers like Verlaine, Marguerite Duras, and Romain Gary, showcasing the urban scenery that fueled their imaginations. Portraits of writers mark this literary journey. Even in their absence, the exhibition brings to life their corporeal essence. One striking image features Marguerite Duras in the act of writing, captured by the renowned Studio Lipnitzki, documenting Paris’s vibrant cultural scene. Paul Éluard is also among the stars, captured by Henri Martinie—who immortalized literary giants from the interwar period, including Jean Cocteau and James Joyce. The gallery’s portraits reflect the souls of writers who have shaped literary history and, indeed, history itself. The exhibition also highlights the unique urbanity of Paris—its streets and metro—constellations that have inspired countless literary minds. As Antoine Compagnon states, “To traverse Paris is to wander through literature.” The city’s literary and cinematic ambiance resonates powerfully for those who perceive it. This collection of photographs at the Roger-Viollet Gallery presents Paris as a mirror of literary life and the backdrop of innumerable stories intertwined in its essence. Paris, with its enchanting light and surprises at every turn, beckons us to explore an era gone by, where Saint-Germain-des-Prés thrummed with vibrant literary life. “A Literary ABC of Paris,” showcased at the Roger-Viollet Gallery, vividly portrays this legacy. Practical Information: “A Literary ABC of Paris, from D’Aragon to Zola” Roger-Viollet Gallery November 21, 2024 – February 1, 2025 6 rue de Seine, 75006 Paris Open Tuesday to Saturday, 11 AM to 7 PM Free entry
This exhibition explores the rich literary heritage of Paris through captivating photographs of renowned writers and the city that inspired them. It celebrates influential figures such as Aragon and Zola, providing insights into how the city’s landscape and ambiance informed their works. The gallery serves as a cultural hub, enabling visitors to engage with the vibrant intersection of literature and the urban experience in one of the world’s most iconic cities.
The exhibition at the Roger-Viollet Gallery is a tribute to the inextricable link between Paris and its literary figures. It showcases the physical presence of writers like Duras and Eluard, breathing life into their absence in printed works. The captivating exploration of the city as a literary landscape reaffirms Paris’s status as an unparalleled muse, inviting visitors on a sensory journey through its streets and stories.
