1920s Paris (Taschen Basic art Series ) - Rainer Metzger

Paris in the 1920s: The Golden Age of Creativity

Known as the City of Light, Paris in the 1920s glowed brighter than ever, becoming a cultural beacon for artists, writers, and visionaries from around the world. The era was defined by innovation, artistic collaboration, and bohemian excess, setting the stage for some of the most iconic movements in modern art and fashion.

A Bohemian Haven for Art and Culture

• Artists and Movements: Paris was home to the greats of Classic Modernism, such as Pablo Picasso, Marcel Duchamp, Sonia Delaunay, and Salvador Dalí. Surrealism and Art Deco flourished, giving rise to masterpieces like Giacometti’s Suspended Ball and the film Un chien andalou.
• Literature and Exiles: Writers like James Joyce and Ernest Hemingway mingled with Eastern European exiles such as Constantin Brancusi and Marc Chagall, enriching Parisian culture.
•  Photography: The nightlife and charm of Montmartre were immortalized by photographers André Kertész and Brassaï.

Fashion and Design: The Coco Chanel Revolution

• Chanel redefined elegance with the creation of the little black dress and her signature perfume, Chanel No. 5.
• Parisian department stores like La Samaritaine became symbols of luxury and sophistication, reflecting the booming French economy.

Paris by Night: Savoir Vivre and Creative Excess

The café culture, cabarets, and pulsing dance halls of Montparnasse and Montmartre embodied the lively, hedonistic spirit of the age. This was a time of endless creativity, where ideas flowed as freely as champagne.

Why Explore the «1920s Paris»

•     Iconic Figures: Learn about the interconnected lives of Picasso, Dalí, Chanel, and Hemingway.
•     Cultural Milestones: Discover the origins of Surrealism, Art Deco, and the literary “Lost Generation.”
•     Timeless Elegance: Experience the fashions and innovations that continue to inspire the world today.

About the Book

This book takes you on a journey through more than 30 outstanding works of art, architecture, design, and film, showcasing the vibrant creativity of 1920s Paris. With vivid descriptions and insights, it captures the city’s unique blend of artistic brilliance and bohemian lifestyle, making it a must-read for art enthusiasts and history lovers alike.

Relive the magic of 1920s Paris—a dazzling era of art, culture, and savoir vivre that continues to captivate the imagination.