We have arrived at the last to the most famous street in Paris. Of course you recognize at only once the scene of Gustave Caillebotte’s most famous painting Chant Sous la Pluie (1877).
The street shows this little plaque named for the honor of Claude-François-Dorothée, marquis de Jouffroy d’Abbans (1751–1832). Ah, but you do not know the Marquis? That is his sad fate to die in forgetfulness even though he invent the first “bateau bouilli,” or as you would say: steaming boat. Vraiment! Long years before the “Folie d’Fulton” we had our own “Folie d’Abbans,” a petite boat with petite oars that row by steam but she sinks. Tragique, yes, but we all laugh so hard — Oh! I cry with tears! — and long years later we make this street named for the Marquis so all is forgive, henh
Filed under: History, Painting, Paris | Tagged: Caillebotte, Jouffroy d'Abbans
Sorry, but no, it isn’t. Wrong street, and also wrong name for the painting.
Oh, my poor petite fellow, how very silly you are. It is not a wonder why you have no name, but only a simple letter, for you are very, very simple. Do you not see how the street has the sign with its very own name? How can it be wrong? Do you think the Ministère de Parisan des Noms de Rue is so very foolish? No, no. It is you who is so very foolish. After all, you cannot even name yourself!
But now you say “the painting is not so named.” Sacre! But who do you see as they walk and stroll right there before you and your silly eyes, eh? Is it not M. and Mme. Caillebotte? So, you may ask for yourself what is right name of painting, you who have no real name! Ha! I cut you into many pieces!
[...] people say to me, “M. Just, for what do you say the painting of M. Caillebotte is called ‘Chant Sous la Pluie?’ You are so false, so false! And look: that is not Rue de Jouffroy d’Abbans, no! It is not [...]