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You know how much I love art, and being able to spend the past 2 months in Paris has given me countless opportunities to satisfy my curiosity. And there’s a place that I adore and that I never tire of visiting, the Petit Palais. Inaugurated in 1900 for the Universal Exhibition, in the same way as the Grand Palais and the Pont Alexandre III, it became from 1901 the Museum of Fine Arts of the city of Paris. Located next to the Seine, and between the Champs Elysées and the Jardin des Tuileries, this is the perfect place to take a break during a long walk, to protect yourself from the rain or the heat wave, depending on the season. In addition to its absolutely magnificent architecture, what I like about this museum is the variety of its collections, whether they are eras, artists or genres: sculptures, paintings, furniture and objects… Sculptures First of all, the sculpture gallery, located immediately to the left of the main entrance, welcomes the visitor in a masterful way. Whether in plaster or bronze, they all testify to the creativity and inventiveness of the artists: Ernest Barrias, Charles Valton, Auguste Bartholdi, Paul Roussel (former student of Barrias), Alexandre Falguière, Jules Desbois... Some of these plaster statues were the models of bronze sculptures, many of which were melted down during the Second World War, such as the dancer Sacha-Lyo by Serge Youriévich. You’ll notice the height of the ceilings with their splendid paintings. But many sculptures are scattered throughout the museum, with among others a large space dedicated to the sculptor Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux. There’s also a bronze by Renoir, but also marbles: Rodin with "Amour et Psyché" or Auguste Clésinger's "Bacchante". What beauty and poetry in this museum… Paintings Flemish, French, Italian painters, and from all eras, this is what makes the richness of this museum, we go through history through these artistic discoveries. Rubens, Poussin, Sisley, Pissarro, Géricault, Cézanne, Delacroix, Monet and many others… To name but a few. And then some figures that we recognise on the paintings, such as Sarah Bernhardt, the great French actress of the 19th century-early 20th century, painted by Georges Clairin in 1876. Furniture If the city of Paris has acquired many pieces from this museum, in particular the sculptures, it should be noted that generous donors have enriched the collection. Thus, most of the furniture, objects and decoration come from private collections bequeathed over time. Greek Antiquities The following photos will certainly remind you of my articles Cretan Pottery or Rainy Day in Athens. Greece, my adopted country since my Solo Wedding in Santorini, and I admit I love learning more about its history and culture. Here too a very beautiful collection, rich and varied. Icons Since 2017, a new room has exhibited an incredible collection of Eastern Christian arts (Russia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece...), from two private collections and bequeathed to the museum. Its café nestled in the middle of the garden is my favourite place! So calm and peaceful to forget for a moment that we are in the heart of Paris. The chirping of the birds, the vegetation and the gardens are conducive to daydreaming, and when the sun is out, it's like being transported to some exotic destination, or even to another era! This Petit Palais has everything of a great museum, but with fewer people, I strongly encourage you to visit it. Note that the permanent collection is free for all! The Museum also regularly hosts magnificent temporary exhibitions (with fee). My Favourite Articles about Paris:
No article next week, I'm working on the publication of my book "My Solo Wedding in Santorini, or how I saved my life. " Next post: March 26, 2022 Have a fantastic week everyone!! Love & Joy, L.
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