Eugène Galien-Laloue (1854–1941) was the painter who knew how to capture the magic of a city in a way that makes you wish you could step back in time—preferably with a warm coat and a baguette in hand. Specializing in scenes of Paris during the Belle Époque, Galien-Laloue was like the Instagram influencer of his day, except his posts were on canvas, and they didn’t need filters because his brushwork was already perfect.

Known for his detailed, atmospheric depictions of Parisian streets, Galien-Laloue had a knack for turning everyday city life into something cinematic. Whether it was a bustling market, a quiet snow-covered street, or a bridge softly lit by lamplight, his paintings make you feel like you’re right there, soaking in the romance and charm of a bygone era. It’s like he was saying, “Hey, look at this! Even an ordinary commute can be beautiful!”

His preferred medium was gouache, which allowed him to achieve soft textures and delicate details. While many artists might focus on grand monuments or dramatic skylines, Galien-Laloue was more interested in capturing the life of the city—the people walking with umbrellas, the carriages rolling by, the shopfronts glowing with warm light. There’s a cozy, almost nostalgic quality to his work, as if Paris were always wrapped in a gentle, golden haze.

And just to keep things interesting, Galien-Laloue sometimes painted under pseudonyms like “Léon Dupuy” or “Julien Célos.” Why? Partly because demand for his work was so high, he had to keep up the supply. That’s right—he was so popular, he needed aliases to meet the art market’s appetite. Talk about an artist who knew how to multitask!