The paintings of Victor Hugo, Paris – “In the Intimacy of Genius” 2021

In the Victor Hugo museum in Paris, there is currently an exhibition, from 10 June to 21 November 2021, called "In the Intimacy of Genius" of his paintings, drawings, engravings, and artwork.

There is also a section dedicated to his friendship with Célestin Nanteuil, showing the artistic influences between the two men. Juliette Drouet had the largest collection of Victor Hugo’s works. He took summer trips with her and set up a studio in her living room in 1850 so that he could paint – these works are said to be his best masterpieces. In the latter period of is life, he painted witches and demons.

He produced more than 4,000 drawings, mainly in dark brown or black pen-and-ink wash. Many of his artworks are in hand-painted wooden frames.

MARTINA NICOLLS

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MARTINA NICOLLS is an international aid and development consultant, and the author of: The Paris Residences of James Joyce (2020), Similar But Different in the Animal Kingdom (2017), The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).

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