About this Exhibition

Les arrêts de la vie by Jennifer Jean Costello presents a series of oil and acrylic paintings celebrating Arthur Rimbaud’s prose poem "Départ" from Illuminations, his collection of poems published in 1886. The venerability of this modern poem lends to our departure with the stations of life in search for new noise and passion.

As an artist, Jennifer Jean Costello has been empowered and encouraged by Rimbaud’s intense and dreamlike words and "Je est un autre," another poem of the same poet continues to shape her appreciation for French culture.


"Départ" de Arthur Rimbaud
Assez vu. La vision s’est rencontrée à tous les airs.
Assez eu. Rumeurs des villes, le soir, et au soleil, et toujours.
Assez connu. Les arrêts de la vie. – O Rumeurs et Visions!
Départ dans l’affection et le bruit neufs!
(Illuminations, 1886)

Translation:
"Departure" by Arthur Rimbaud
Enough seen. The vision has been encountered in all skies.
Enough had. Sounds of cities, in the evening, and in sunlight, and always.
Enough known. The stations of life. — O Sounds and Visions!
Departure amid new noise and affection!
(Source: John Ashbery, Illuminations)

About Jennifer Jean Costello

Jennifer Jean Costello attended Syracuse University in addition to receiving her MFA from Boston University. Her strong comprehensive knowledge of the Art Market: Modern and Contemporary Art --with prior extensive knowledge in School of Paris artists, in addition to connoisseurship education in works on paper--lends harmoniously as she is a Principal Online Partner at www.paulaesteygallery.com and the Exhibition Committee Chair for National Association of Women Artists, Inc. MA Chapter.

Jennifer’s oil and acrylic paintings derive inspiration from life around her. Depending on the viewer the paintings evolve and capture the feel of motion, whether human or nature, through color and creative texture. Her works are included in Worcester Polytechnic Institute Collection, Boston College Office of Marketing Communications, Aetna Lighting Corporate Collection, Richard Flood Educational Services LLC and several Private Collections.

Find out more about the artist

Above: (Nature 5) Seascape. Oil on canvas. 40" x 30". 2015.


Gallery Hours

Monday - Thursday, 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday by appointment
Saturday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The gallery is closed on Monday, February 15.

Free and Open to the Public

Call for Artists

CallforArtists-Image

Our art exhibition program showcases local and international artists whose work has a connection with French and Francophone culture.

Whether you draw your inspiration from an artistic movement, a specific artist, a subject or a technique, you can submit your work for an opportunity to present your art to the public in our elegant brownstone's gallery in the heart of Back Bay, for month-long exhibitions from September through June.

Artists and projects are selected by a committee of art professionals, artists and art connoisseurs who meet twice a year. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

To submit your work please refer to the Call for Artists in which you will find a detailed description of requirements and conditions.

Upcoming Events

Food & Wine

Cake Decorating Class

GASTRONOMY & WINE PROGRAM: YOUR FRENCH CULINARY ARTS AND WINE JOURNEY

Tuesday, August 11, 2026

The French Library is delighted to present this cake decorating class from our Gastronomy & Wine program. This class is designed to teach methods, technique and best practices in cake decorating, while having a fun time in the kitchen.

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Wine Seminar: Champagne

Gastronomy & Wine program: Your French Culinary Arts and Wine Journey

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Join us in our Gallery for the next Wine Seminar, dedicated to the Champagne region of France. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, our series is tailored to provide a deeper understanding of French wines, refine your wine-tasting skills and vocabulary, and foster confidence in conversations, selections, and pairings. We will provide you with an authentic French perspective and access to a splendid array of quality wines.

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Monday, August 24, 2026

Learn all about our language immersion program in partnership with the Accent Français language school in France!

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