Famous Art of Mothers. “Whistler’s Mother” comes to mind; vicariously described as an American icon and a Victorian Mona Lisa. The artist was annoyed that viewers called it a “portrait;” it was an “arrangement in grey and black,” its official title. Interesting details on this famous painting are highlighted in this week’s Mother’s Day blog.
Category Archives: Paris
Film Discussion: Midnight in Paris (Paris, France)
Paris! The film “Midnight in Paris” captures the allure and enticement of the city, past and present…Belle Epoch, to Roaring 20s to today. For lovers of art, literature and travel, it is a treasure trove to watch, again and again! Read my discussion in this blog.
No Masks Required! No Social Distancing in Art! Le Moulin de la Galette (Renoir)
No social distancing; no masks required! Except for the fashions, this could be a modern club scene today–much to the chagrin of the CDC! Renoir was one Impressionist who often turned to Paris nightlife for his subjects, such as this one in the Montmartre District: La Moulin de la Galette. Travel Tip: The Montmartre area of Paris has much to offer–Food, art, architecture, entertainment, ambiance–but be wary of the time of day/night that you visit!
Autumn Harvest in Art (Millet & Van Gogh)
Autumn equates harvest. Millet, with peasant origins, identified with the hard work of the country poor. Van Gogh paraphrased it in his work. These oil paintings depict 3 peasant women tediously gleaning a field of stray stalks of wheat left over after the harvest. Both are at the Musee d’Orsay, Paris.
Time – and the Calendar – in Art & Life (Limbourgh Bros’ Book of Hours)
The “Book of Hours of the Duke of Berry…” by the Limbourgh brothers, Gothic France (1400s) was selected because it represents TIME. This week 26 (01 September 2020) of the COVID-19 pandemic marks 1/2 of a 52 week year. A Book of Hours was a popular type of devotional pray book with text for each liturgical hour of the day, plus calendar, prayers psalms and masses. It also included the astrological signs appropriate for each of the 12 months.
The Thinker. . . and the Start of School! Art & Life (Rodin)
As we approach another school year (September 2020), Rodin’s famous sculpture “The Thinker” comes to mind to symbolize what one should be doing in school! But…did you know that there is more than one “The Thinker?” And in different sizes? And out of different materials? After you read my post, you can feel a bit more culturally literate on this iconic sculpture!
Pandemic Delight: Patio Dining in Art & Life (Renoir)
Local suburbs are helping restaurants stay afloat during the pandemic by allowing them to carve out patios on sidewalks and streets to increase seating capacity. I love dining in outdoor cafes; it makes me feel very “European” even if I am in a local café. Renoir’s Luncheon of the Boating Party is one such place!
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