Making quite the impression …(ism)

We have saved the best museum for today. The Musée d’orsay is both a magical space to display art with its expansive rooms and diffused natural light. The former train station turned museum boasts high ceilings and multi-levels. The center of the museum displays a large collection of statues, white marble, bronze, small to massive.

There are large and small paintings along the edges on either side. Like many of the museums we have visited, the Orsay is renovating some areas and has repositioned others. The variety of styles represented and are clustered by genre.

The Orsay has the most splendid displays of Impressionist art. The fifth floor flows from one room to another showing the evolution of the impressionist movement. The early days of color and light subtly blurring building the the crescendo of Monet’s  water nymphs which are puddles of color and images of a watery garden that are dream-like and emotive.  There is the story of friendship, with Renoir and Monet sometimes appearing I each other’s pieces and of artistic individuality as Van Gogh moves in one direction and Cezanne in another.

Just as we are swept up in the tangibility of the work, we pass the Degas ballerinas.  They always draw attention. Today two young sisters circle the cases, the younger so absorbed that she contorts to copy the poses. Her more reserved sibling pauses before giving over to the moment and joining in the attempt to mirror the pieces.  – Picasso said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how do we remain an artist once we grow up…”. We are nearly moved to give in to the abandon of youth and stretch into the form of the ballerina.., but good sense prevails.., on to the next room.

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After viewing the fabulous collection we head out. While we had planned to also re-visit the Rodin Museum, our museum crush has hit the wall… we are tired and hungry and feeling a little petulant.

Well nothing helps you get a fresh perspective than a cozy lunch at the Bistro de Augustins. The gratin is the epitome of comfort food and a glass of wine, a view of the Seine… we are feeling better already.

Paris is always a good idea! ( thanks Sabrina- Audrey or Julia)