In the first room hangs an 1884 portrait by Antonio de La Gandara of flamboyantly attired Rodolphe Salis, founder of the Chat Noir.

WSJ: Bohemia in Paris | 'Around the Chat Noir' at the Mus��e de Montmartre and 'Bohemias' at the Grand Palais

Four months after opening, Salis launched the Chat Noir journal.

WSJ: Bohemia in Paris | 'Around the Chat Noir' at the Mus��e de Montmartre and 'Bohemias' at the Grand Palais

Unsuccessful as a painter, Salis showed flair for business.

WSJ: Bohemia in Paris | 'Around the Chat Noir' at the Mus��e de Montmartre and 'Bohemias' at the Grand Palais