Wednesday March 12th

Morning at the Museum D’Orsay

Bright and early, we took the Metro to the Museum D’Orsay. This museum is housed in a converted train station. The structure held up by steel is an example of the architectural innovations of the 19^th century. However, I was most excited about the art, as the late 19^th century is my favorite period. We saw works by Millet, Bonheur, Courbet, Renoir, Manet, Degas, Monet and more!

Like at the Louvre it seemed unreal to see works of art I had seen only in art history classes. I loved to be able to looks closely at the paintings. For example, Monet used thick layers of paint which creates a texture to the work that is not easily seen from a photograph. Also, the size of a painting is impossible to fully comprehend until you are standing in front of it. I was amazed by the detail and realism of Rosa Bonheur’s Ploughing in the Nivernais. The dirt that is being turned up and the fur of the cows appears as if you could reach out in touch it.

The Orangerie Museum and Monet’s Water Lilies

Even though we had spent the morning walking around the Museum D’Orsay I was eager to go to the Orangerie Museum. After lunch my roommate and I headed there. It is right across the Seine from the Museum D’Orsay, so it was a quick walk. I have always wanted to see Monet’s Water Lilies. He had specially designed them for the Orangerie which was a building where orange trees were once stored in the winter. My roommate and I first headed to the Water Lilies. Like seeing painting, I had only seen in classes this was also a surreal experience. The size of the canvas and the fact they follow the curve of the wall is incredibly immersive. I loved walking along the paintings and be able to see the paint texture. In certain spots I could see where Monet at dragged a finger through the paint. For anyone who loves impressionism seeing the Water Lilies is a must!

While exploring the rest of the museum I saw some works by artists I had never heard of but whose works I now greatly admire. The artist’s name is Chaïm Soutine. He uses a lot of color and texture in his paintings to create images that like Monet walk the line between representational and abstract.

The Spectacle that is the Moulin Rouge

In the evening we went to the Moulin Rouge. Going in I knew nothing about this show, and I am glad. It was such a special and fun experience to dress up and go to a show like this. The show goes back to the 19^th century and is all about spectacle. Multiple times throughout the performance we were in awe. Before we knew it the show was over, and it was time to leave. I would love to come back one day and see the show again! It was an incredible way to end the day!