Art is Everywhere

For those of you who have been to Paris, you know that art is everywhere. Gardens, fountains, sculptures, monuments, churches. Even the jaunty red and white striped straw in your drink adds an artistic touch to your aperol spritz. Then there is the art that is housed in those world-class museums that Mr. Large and I, along with thousands of others, devoted ourselves to viewing for two weeks.

I have to admit that I have not been much of a museum-goer in my life. Performing arts have cast their siren-spell on me and theatre (RE) is my first love. I have made the obligatory occasional visit to the Met in New York, but not too much beyond that. My life is now officially changed and I am swept away by the art that is in museums, and everywhere.

You've already heard about the Louvre, but there is so much more! We went to the Petit Palais (and saw the stunning Sarah Bernhardt exhibition, natch!), the Musee D'Orsay, L'Orangerie, and of course saw the endless royal family portraits at Versailles. According to Google there are over 140 museums in Paris! Something for everyone!

The impressionists and neo-impressionists seem to really have a hold on the public. They are modern, and appeal to our senses, and they often depict everyday life instead of grandiose displays of battles, or wealthy royal people. The poor, the people on the edges of society, the artists on the fringe, and the celebrations of the bourgeoisie are depicted with respect and beauty. This morning I read in the NY Times that one of our favorites at D'Orsay is going to NY! The Met will be displaying "Olympia," it's a don't-miss event.

In reality, Paris itself is a work of art. The buildings, the bridges and monuments are built for functionality and beauty. Everywhere you look there is a curve, an ornament to soften a sharp line, a relief that somehow makes the building seem important. This city is a monument to the people who built it with love. Paris...je t'aime!

I want you to enjoy just a little of the art we viewed. There is no way that a photograph can do justice but it's the best I can do! Go see Olympia in the Manet/Degas show coming to New York. Capture a tiny piece of the essence of Paris, then book your vacation ASAP.

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