Photograph by Ed Pollard, Hasselblad H4D50 - 2023.

Paris Metro Entourage

Artist Hector Guimard (French, 1867-1942)

CultureFrench

DateDesigned 1900

MediumCast iron

Dimensions39 3/4 × 39 3/4 × 2 1/2 in. (101 × 101 × 6.4 cm)

Credit LineMuseum purchase

Object number2010.6

Not on view

DescriptionThese are cast iron components of a fence, or entourage, from the Paris Métropolitain stations designed by Hector Guimard circa 1900. They are painted white, green and black to simulate patinated bronze, with a final coating of lacquer. Four cast iron escutcheons incorporate a stylized letter M for Métro. They are accompanied by four slightly arched handrails/bars and eight vertical cross bars.
Label TextHector Guimard French, 1867-1942 Paris Métro Entourage Designed 1900 Painted cast iron The Paris subway, or Métro, opened July 19, 1900. The gates and fences (or entourages) to the staircases to 141 stations were designed by the architect Hector Guimard. He worked in the exuberant high-culture Art Nouveau style, with motifs based on flowing plant forms. It was thought these beautiful entrances would entice hesitant Parisians into using underground trains. Museum Purchase 2010.6ProvenanceThe artist, ca. 1900; Parisian Transit Authority RATP (Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens), Paris, France, 1900-1950s; Private collector, California, 1960s; Purchased by Lillian Nassau, LLC, New York, NY, 2009; Museum purchase, Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, VA, 2010.