We went to Paris in December, 1997. It was the first trip we took without the kids. Tif had begun a job and Keola was in college. It was my school winter break so we decided to fly to Paris. I loved being able to get back to my classroom to tell my first graders about our experiences.
One of the first places we went to was the Musee d'Orsay. The art museum was once a railway station built in 1898-1900. It was converted into an art museum in 1986.
Art and I do enjoy museums. The kids joke about how we dragged them to countless museums when they were younger.
Without the kids, we were able to browse through all the art exhibits at our leisure.
I tend to like impressionistic art. I do like Monet, Pissarro, Cezanne, Cassatt and Van Gogh. I like color. Art likes realism.
As we gazed upon each painting, we suddenly stopped in front of one painting and was rooted to the spot. (We don't often agree on artwork.)
This painting by Jean-Francois Millet was originally called Printemps à Barbizon (Spring at Barbizon) and was done in 1873.
The painting shows a light spring rain that produced a double rainbow in the distance. There's a man waiting under the shade of a distant tree.
It's hard to find a picture that depicts how amazing we found this painting. I really wanted to find a poster, but the gift shop didn't have it. I think I got this photo from a postcard I was able to buy.
Maybe it's the dark foreground pulling you into the painting and into the light. Maybe it's wanting to follow that rainbow. Maybe it was the road that made Art and me think about the roads that we've traveled.
I don't know, but we still think about that painting now and then.
Do you have a favorite painting or artwork? What do you like about it?
Art and I do enjoy museums. The kids joke about how we dragged them to countless museums when they were younger.
Without the kids, we were able to browse through all the art exhibits at our leisure.
I tend to like impressionistic art. I do like Monet, Pissarro, Cezanne, Cassatt and Van Gogh. I like color. Art likes realism.
As we gazed upon each painting, we suddenly stopped in front of one painting and was rooted to the spot. (We don't often agree on artwork.)
This painting by Jean-Francois Millet was originally called Printemps à Barbizon (Spring at Barbizon) and was done in 1873.
The painting shows a light spring rain that produced a double rainbow in the distance. There's a man waiting under the shade of a distant tree.
It's hard to find a picture that depicts how amazing we found this painting. I really wanted to find a poster, but the gift shop didn't have it. I think I got this photo from a postcard I was able to buy.
Maybe it's the dark foreground pulling you into the painting and into the light. Maybe it's wanting to follow that rainbow. Maybe it was the road that made Art and me think about the roads that we've traveled.
I don't know, but we still think about that painting now and then.
Do you have a favorite painting or artwork? What do you like about it?
Maybe it was the pull of having been drawn together by a work of art. Lovely post -- and painting.
ReplyDeleteRight now I'm into Southwestern Native American pictures and decor-pottery, rugs, baskets, etc. But I do like that picture-it says lots!
ReplyDeleteWe were there! I think 2002-ish? It's an amazing place.
ReplyDeleteNice memory post. I have not seen any authentic art masterpieces up close and personal. Someday maybe. Thanks for commenting on my recent post.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this wonderful painting and your experience. I know you like rainbows for sure and it has the realism Art likes, so much detail. I like Picasso's bouquet of flowers here https://www.masterworksfineart.com/artists/pablo-picasso/lithograph/bouquet-of-peace-1958-2/id/w-2371. Some shake their heads at its simplicity.
ReplyDeleteYes, once years ago, Bob and I saw an oil painting for sale in the window of a drug store we frequented. It was called "The Aspen Trees" and was gorgeous. We wanted it so badly we saved for it. When we finally had the money saved and went back to the drug store to pay for it, we learned the artist had died and the painting was in his estate. So we were terribly disappointed.
ReplyDeleteThat is a very beautiful painting. I am unfamiliar with his work. Can't wait for the Honolulu Museum of Art to reopen. I have many paintings in my home, all of them favorites,
ReplyDeleteThat is great that you both agreed on the same painting. Hope you can find a print of it. I like J M W Turner a lot.
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful painting. I was at that museum in the early 1990s, but I don't remember seeing that one. I love "The Girl with the Pearl Earring."
ReplyDeletehttps://www.art.com/products/p10256272085-sa-i4231834/jean-francois-millet-le-printemps-c-1875.htm?RFID=217825&ProductTarget=831348566770&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=PLA&gclid=CjwKCAjw7-P1BRA2EiwAXoPWA7UOnBOoWkBXfwHrynRsj4MgsNCX1LgHdSEUc9lmty4RAG3Jf1QlAhoCWCEQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
ReplyDeleteIf you put "Millet, Printemps à Barbizon" into google, you will find a print collection of this painting.
I too love color. I love the Fauves especially.
I think if you put most of thhat front line into google, it will work.
DeleteThank you, Mage! Those copies look much better than my postcard. Pricey though. Sigh... Something to think about.
DeleteI hardly travel and when I do, art museums have been on the to do list, but Trader Joe's and Ikea stops are of a higher priority, so art viewing is nixed. Years ago, at the Honolulu Museum of Art (fka Honolulu Academy of Art) I saw Van Gogh's sunflower painting. I was so surprised that it was small. Disappointingly so.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I do love art and visit local art galleries, though the best one in Honolulu closed its doors for good last year. I also go to art shows. My walls have a lot of paintings by mostly local artists. The last one I bought was a small scenic Kaneohe Bay oil by Barbara Sumida. It is probably my favorite right now. I looked forward to purchasing a larger one but found out that she passed away a few months ago. So sad. Her ability to capture the beauty of a scene with just the right touch of paint and light brought joy to me.
I like our Group of seven.Take look at their work.
ReplyDeleteI'll never forget the Monet waterlily panels in the Musee d'Orsay. But I am most partial to van Gogh and the van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.
ReplyDelete"Hawaiian Splendor" by Anthony Casay, 1985. He was known for shining light through ocean waves coming in to shorelines. I have the print my parents purchased in Lahaina. Anyone know of an art appraiser?
ReplyDeleteLinda in wave-less Kansas
Many thanks for sharing this wonderful painting …
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan