A Warm Oil on Canvas painting of Rue Norvins in the Montmartre Area by Spanish Painter Jean Salabet.
Jean Salabet is one of the pseudonyms used by the artist Juan Bayón Salado, born in 1913 in Logroño, near Bilbao, Spain.
From a modest background, he developed an early artistic talent, which he used to help his family by organizing raffles to sell his paintings and provide financial support for his family.
As his reputation grew, he was offered his first solo exhibition in Bilbao in 1941.
The success of this exhibition led to numerous other shows, and his career was launched.
In 1950, riding high on his success, he decided to travel to Paris in search of the origins of Impressionism.
His love for the atmosphere and energy of Paris was boundless.
He painted the city of that era in all its splendor, capturing every neighborhood, regardless of the weather—day, night, snow, or cold.
During this period, he exhibited in Montmartre, at the Galerie de la rue Norvins (later renamed Galerie de Bussière), and then at André Roussard’s gallery, signing his works Salabet, then Bay Sala, and finally Bayon.
From this period, he left us a remarkable testament to what Paris was like: the costumes, the bustling streets, the shopfronts, the architecture, everything is faithfully depicted, allowing us to imagine this post-war Paris where the hope for a better day made this capital the center of the world.
His international renown allowed him to exhibit alongside the greatest artists: Cocteau, Dalí, Picasso, Utrillo, Vlaminck…
He returned to Spain in 1970 and remained there until his death in 1995.
In a style reminiscent of the Cortes, Blanchard, Galien Laloue, and Jean Salabet, he brought a more romantic touch to his painting.
The street scenes seem more intimate; one has the impression that they tell a personal story, a precious memory…
Our painting is no exception to this rule; the Rue Norvins was familiar to him, as he exhibited his works there.
The warm light emanating from these boutiques invites you inside, while the humid atmosphere envelops the Butte Montmartre.
The bell towers of Saint Pierre and Sacré-Cœur are shrouded in a golden mist, reflecting the enchanting atmosphere of the City of Lights.
The bustling crowds contribute to the area’s vibrant energy; Montmartre remains a magical and unmissable place for anyone seeking to experience bohemian Paris.
A magnificent work by Juan Bayón Salado, from his early Parisian period when he signed his work with this pseudonym.
Original oil on canvas, signed lower right, in its original Montparnasse-style wooden frame.
Unframed 10 ½ x 14 inches
Framed 17 ½ x 21 inches