Portrait of Michèle
1974
Presentation & Biography
The art and life of Gen Paul
Eugène Paul grew up in Montmartre, at 96 rue Lepic. It is on this street that many artists have lived. From an early age, he began drawing and painting. His mother worked as an embroidererer, and his father, who was a musician in cabarets, died when he was ten years old.
“An instinctive painter with a powerful, feverish stroke, Gen Paul captured the soul of Montmartre, its musicians, and popular figures with unmatched intensity.”
— Galerie Offenstadt · Patrick Offenstadt
At first, he learned the trade of making decorative furniture.
Eugène Paul was a upholsterer, but World War I broke out and he volunteered for the army on September 11, 1914, for the duration of the war. He was sent to the 311th Infantry Regiment on 19 September, but ten days later he was evacuated as he was too weak. After being treated in the hospital and then convalescing at home, he did not return to the front until June 7, 1915. On June 24, in Regniéville, he was seriously wounded in the right knee by a bullet while "at his combat post". He had to have his right thigh amputated, leaving only a 19 cm stump that could not be paired. He was awarded the Military Medal on September 3, 1915. In June 1916, he was permanently disqualified from service, and received a disability pension.
Back to civilian life, he started painting again. He became friends with Juan Gris at the Bateau-Lavoir, who helped him a lot. He was also friends with other artists like Leprin and Franck-Will.
He was named a Knight of the Legion of Honor
Official Committee & Publications by Patrick Offenstadt
Gen Paul — Comité Officiel & Catalogues Raisonnés
Official publications of the Comité Gen Paul, chaired by Patrick Offenstadt (Christie's 2023 Exhibition, Le Violoniste monograph).
