284 Le Marché aux Fleurs
by Marie François Firmin Gérard (1838-1921)

"Le Marché Aux Fleurs" illustrates how colourful flowers play an important part in this artist's compositions. This alluring flower market, one of the last remaining in Paris, is still situated on the Quai de Corse on the Ile de la Cité. It is so very bright and uplifting, in contrast to the cold administration blocks of the commercial courts on the left. Beyond can be seen the Concièrgerie, a palace dating from the 14th Century and used as a prison during the French Revolution. On the right is the Pont au Change, on which two horse-drawn carriages are visible.

More bustle would be seen later in the Market, as this is early in the day when stocks are full and the earlier purchasers have arrived. In the foreground, beneath the prominent street lamp, a Parisian couple are ordering a selection of flowers. The market lady serves them, closely observed by their dog, while the wife's sister looks on and the market trader, who is probably the market lady's husband, carefully puts the chosen bunches together. Further along, other customers make up their minds and behind them porters, usually identifiable by the large gold pendants that hang from their necks, wait, fetch and carry. Meanwhile, across the street, two nannies stop for a chat, their respective charges dragging at their hands impatiently, because there is nowhere here to play.

Born in 1838, Firmin Gérard went to Paris at the age of 16, and enroled at L'Ecole des Beaux-Arts, studying under Gleyre. Exhibiting first in 1859 he went on to paint historical and genre scenes, known for being conscientiously observed and highly finished. He won a bronze medal at the Exposition Universelle of 1900.