A modern woman, Fernande Olivier (1881-1966) began her career as a professional model. She worked for many artists such as Cormon, Manolo, Canals, Sunyer... before becoming better known as the companion of the young Picasso. Fernande had much to say about herself through her writings: "Souvenirs intimes" and "Picasso et ses amis". This personality of the Bateau-Lavoir and of Montmartre life at the beginning of the 20th century is the subject of a first exhibition entirely devoted to her.
The exhibition will illustrate some of the key episodes of the avant-garde, recounted by Fernande through family archives and numerous public and private loans. The point of view adopted is that of Fernande through her writings, correspondence and even her works. She will analyse her writings, the support of Paul Léautaud and the reception of her works. As a modern woman, model, artist and writer, she is an inescapable witness of an era and an artistic milieu.
On the occasion of the exhibition "Fernande Olivier et Pablo Picasso, dans l’intimité du Bateau-Lavoir", part of the Picasso Celebration (1973-2023), Helene Bailly will lend a work by Auguste Herbin "Les Roses" (1912) to the Musée de Montmartre, Paris.
