DATE: Friday 4 August, 1995
PLACE: Paris to London
WEATHER: Hot
REMARKS: Desiree to the Louvre early to queue; me to finish
packing, clear the room and get the kids there by 0930. Desiree
is first in line, and joined soon after by an American queuing
for 3 daughters - similar problems: getting started, and organised!
We're 10 minutes late, and find it actually opened at 0900,
not 0930. Straight in though. The ultra-modern pyramid, the
over-riding impression is of light and cool colours. This
is the most impressive gallery I've seen - the light sandstone
of cream and the airy spaciousness are magnificent, and the
surroundings enhance, rather than clutter.
We view the obligatory Mona Lisa, and Venus de Milo, and
then see some Greek vases for Desiree. We also track down
2 Bosch paintings for me - not the truly gruesome ones, but
interesting nonetheless. Here also we see, especially in the
Dutch and German painters, realistic portraits (as opposed
to militaristic or classical posings) and landscapes - a rarity
until now.
So that's the Louvre!
We still have time and have discovered the best Impressionists
are in the Musee d' Orsay and the Orangerie, so off we set.
A brisk walk and into another cool, airy gallery, and at last
paintings I can identify with! No biblical or classical symbolism,
but light, landscapes, and people who are 'true to life'.
The final revelation is the Waterlilies by Monet. In rooms
by themselves downstairs, these are enormous panels full of
the play of light on water and reflections. The impact is
breath-taking and cooling. The blues of the water seem to
have endless shadings.
Again it is quick, but we have a plane to catch. Cab to
the airport at breakneck speed and then loitering, but the
flight is mercifully short. No Bryce to meet us, but I change
the date for car collection, then we catch a cab to Chiswick
(and have to help with directions!)
Bryce is in Wales, but Rachel Aitken is staying so we re-arrange.
And the kids are re-acquainted with TV!!!!
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