Misunderstood Modernity_ Heading towards the end of lockdown 2 in Paris, art lovers are looking forward to return to the fabulous collections and exhibitions the city can offer. The Musée d’Orsay houses the national art collections spanning from the mid-19th C to World War I, and it has been a very pleasant surprise to discover … More Aubrey Beardsley, Musée d’Orsay
A prophecy from the past_ Giorgio De Chirico was one of those artists who challenged not only the meaning of painting but also art appreciation. The current exhibition in the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris showcases his early production, from 1906 to the end of World War I. This is extremely brief, especially for an … More Giorgio De Chirico, Metaphysical Painting, Musée de l’Orangerie
Drawings outside the box_ In Paris, we have been spoilt lately by museums showcasing drawings. In the Petit Palais we appreciated the fine arts drawings from the eclectic Prat Collection (see blog). The Musée des Arts Décoratifs is staging at the moment a different view on drawings: a mixture of fine and decorative arts, presented … More Le Dessin sans Réserve, MAD Paris
Before and After Cezanne_ Paul Cezanne marked the passage to Modernity and the 20th C Art. Close to the Impressionists, he took their vision further establishing a new link with nature, not by just exploring the effects of light, but by translating the mystery of creation into shapes and colours. Being conscientious of his researches, … More Cezanne and the Master Painters – A Dream of Italy, Musée Marmottan Monet
The Majestic Mount Fuji Mount Fuji is the absolute symbol of Japan, found in art, customs and everyday life. Its symbolism goes even deeper, as it represents the interaction between man and nature. It is a sacred volcano, a Shinto divinity and best appreciated from a distance, when covered by snow. An exhibition at the … More Fuji, pays de neige – Musée Guimet
Under the Volcano Archaeology is a tricky subject to display in a museum. It is rather about ruins and artefacts that have lost their youth long ago. Plus, one needs some basic background in history and a lot of imagination to fully appreciate. By no means archaeology displays are inferior to other kinds of exhibitions, … More Pompeii, Grand Palais
The oldest fashion magazine in the world The Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris is home to one of the leading fashion and textiles collections in the world. Costumes and fabrics however are tricky to display, since they are vulnerable to the light and other environmental conditions. The MAD organizes at least two fashion exhibitions … More Harper’s Bazaar: First in Fashion
Light travels from the past William Turner, one of the most celebrated British artists, bequeathed to his country the content of his workshop: 300 paintings, 3000 watercolors, 20 000 drawings and sketches, 32 000 pieces in total. His heritage is kept in Tate Britain and is still being studied, revealing his genius and his secrets. … More Turner: Paintings and Watercolours, Tate’s Collection. Musée Jacquemart-André
The painter who declined the invitation of the Impressionists The Orsay Museum houses the richest Impressionism collection in the world, and most visitors access directly the 5th floor to enjoy the best of this art. The museum collections cover however the entire period of French Art from the 1850s to the First World War, and … More James Tissot: Ambiguously Modern, Musée d’Orsay
Back to the basics of art_ Drawings are an art form that is not supposed to hang in a museum wall. Most drawings are simple preparatory stages towards the final artwork, or plain sketches to illustrate, communicate and conserve an idea before it slips away. It is often by miracle that preparatory drawings have come … More In the Drawing Room: Masterpieces from the Prat Collection, Petit Palais
The Choice of Paris 