I first encountered Pauline Bordeaux about a year or so ago at the flea markets in Vanves. She was tucked in between two larger vendors and I heard her telling off another vendor about something or another. I have no idea what she was saying but I was struck by this tiny, maybe 4'7", 70 (at least) year old woman in her soon to be familiar fur hat, holding her own against the younger, arrogant men. I went in for a closer inspection and saw that she was selling her own paintings. She turned on the charm as I walked up, becoming experienced saleswomen she clearly was. Using small 4 x 6" pieces of cardboard, she paints small landscapes of countryside scenes, perhaps with a disproportionately sized cow or horse floating in the background, or scenes of children playing on a beach (but wearing the sailor type uniforms and bow ties reminiscent of the early 20th century), or sometimes just close-ups of animals or flowers. The colors are usually muted due to the cardboard support which sucks all the shine, but they are sweet and folky and I was smitten. For 10 Euros I took home the first of my now four Pauline Bordeaux paintings, for after that, any brocante or antiques fair, whether it was 5 degrees or 20 degrees (Celsius), there she was, working away, on her feet for probably 6-9 hours. I couldn't help but build up fantasitc ideas about her: maybe she lived in some grand hotel particulieur in the 8th, maybe she had numerous lovers including de Gaulle, but in reality I imagine she lives a pretty hard life as an artist, considering her dedication to her craft. Recently I worked up the courage to talk with her and at the last brocante around the Parc de Batignolles I had M take some great photos. So keep an eye out for her on your next flea market or antiques fair and spend that extra 10 euros--you never know she could be the next great thing.
10 comments:
i love this blaire!
I'm surprised some enterprising entrepreneur hasn't already signed her to a contract.
I love making up stories about people like that. She seems very sweet... and like she'll probably be snatched up as a character by the next person writing a "quaint" movie about France.
I discovered Pauline at the Porte de Vanves flea market also. I bought 1 or 2 paintings from her. Then every time I went with my dear friend Peter, I would look for her. I kept buying paintings whenever I saw her there. Then I didn't see her for a few years. I wondered what had happened . Did she pass away? Then one day I just happened upon her at the corner rue Bonaparte and Blvd St Germain des Pres near the church.
I was so glad to see her. I don't think she recognized me . But I bought 2 more paintings and snapped a photo of her thinking it may be my last one. I found a train ticket with her name and telephone number that she had given to me. It's stamped 2006.
I hope to see her again someday��
It was also in 2015 that Lisa and I met her at the same corner by the church Eglise de Saint Germain des Pres across from our favorite restaurant Les Deux Magots in Paris at which time we purchased a small painting on wood of yellow flowers in a vase.... it was beautiful. We have been back a few times from Canada hoping to purchase a few more paintings from her but sadly with no success.... she has moved on
My husband used to run a chambre d'hotes in Normandy in the 90s and has fond memories of Mme Pauline. He thinks she had an atelier near Rouen but had to give it up.She arrived in a battered old Citroen full of damaged canvases, which she professionally restored(in her bedroom).She was an excellent restorer. He bought a number of her own paintings,some in lieu of rent,as well as'copies'of famous Impressionist works. We also spotted her in later years in Vanves, but she had no memory of my husband.
Thinking of Pauline... every morning waking up in my house and I walk into my kitchen I have the pleasure of seeing her little painting sitting on the counter reminding me of Paris… A beautiful painting purchased in a wonderful city, Paris
a Parigi ho comprato un quadro di madame Pauline proprio nella zona de l'Eglise di s. Germain lo tengo in cucine è una bellissima natura morta. Quando lo guardo penso a Parigi e vorrei tanto poterla incontrare ancora...
I bought one of her little birds in 2008, and was so very pleasantly surprised to find another one in an antique mall in Charleston, SC yesterday! I have such a vivid memory of meeting her on the street in Paris and pursuing her work. It was so hard to choose, but the little bird spoke to me. I've never for one moment regretted buying it. And now he has a friend. I'm thrilled!
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