Ah...Paris. So many museums, so little time. For lovers of Impressionist art, going to Musee d%26#39;Orsay is not merely a visit, it%26#39;s a pilgrimage, a rite of passage.
It%26#39;s only natural that this landmark on the Left Bank of the Seine, with its collection of Impressionist paintings, is housed in an unorthodox setting, a former railway station.
Entering, I imagine Monet and his artist friends carousing at Cafe Guerbois after a day of painting in the Parisian countryside.
As I gaze at one of Monet%26#39;s 25 “Haystack” canvases, strains of Debussy%26#39;s “Prelude de l%26#39;Apres Midi d%26#39;un Faun” dance in my head.
“Haystacks” depict grain stacked in a field after a plentiful harvest season. Stepdaughter Blanche Hoschede delivered only 2 canvases, because Monet originally thought one for overcast weather and one for sunny weather would be sufficient. Later, Blanche used a wheelbarrow to cart 23 more canvases.
Monet%26#39;s series, painted in the fields near his home in Giverny, reveals the qualities of Impressionism that appeal to art lovers: Light, not subject matter is the most important aspect. Fluid light. Emphasis on the play of natural light. The ever-changing quality of sunlight in nature.
Emphasis on color over line. Constantly changing color sensations. The use of pure, unmixed color. Bright (vs dark, oppressive) colors. A sense of gaiety.
Daubs and dashes of paint. Short, broken, visible brush strokes. Textured vs smooth strokes.
Emphasis on the beauty and prosperity of the countryside. Realistic scenes of modern life. Simplified compositions, omitting detail. Capturing the moment.
I emerge from the former train station feeling full, inspired, with a smile on my face. A natural reaction after viewing the masterpieces therein.
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Now, try the Marmottan, l%26#39;Orangerie and take the train ride out to Giverney.
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Dear Billyp,
Merci! I feel like I am looking at the paintings, now. I can tell you really loved the art and were uplifted by it. I know the feeling. As Pixfield suggested, there are more museums to explore. One of my favorites is the Jacquemart-Andre, located on the Blvd. Houseman. It is set in the former mansion of those art lovers, and is a treat.
Bonne chance!
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