In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines . . .
If you haven't already, you must go look at the comments on the next to the last post-- Papa put up some good pictures of the place I'm staying.
So what shall I say next? Let me tell you about what we're studying. The class is about art, but taught by a philosophy teacher, so it leads to interesting discussions on related topics like "what is art?" and "what do you need to know (about the artist, time period, story, etc.) to appreciate a work of art?" and "why ask questions about art anyway?" It's pretty interesting. The areas we're focusing on are Gothic Cathedrals, Impressionism/Post-Impressionism, and 20th century art. We've gotten through the first two so far.
The cathedrals were great, each better than the last. First, on Thursday (29th) we went to St Denis, which was the first gothic building. Not much of the original part remains, but it was really cool to be in the spot where it started, if you know what I mean. The rest of it, built in the later gothic period, was also really pretty. Then Friday we took the train out to Chartres, the most perfect of the gothic cathedrals. It was built in 30 years instead of 100+, so the style is pretty much uniform. I loved it. The statues there are especially good. Then Saturday we went to Notre Dame, which is only a few blocks from where I live. You can see it from my bridge. It, of course, was wonderful. I thought I was going to be crushed, though, from all the people there. Then Tuesday we went to Ste Chapelle, which is only a little further from our hostel. We were each assigned in groups to study and present on one of the churches, and Ste Chapelle was the one I picked, mostly because my History of Architecture professor had said that it was the most beautiful building in the world. (With one possible exception.) Well, he wasn't lying. There aren't really any walls to it-- it's just all stained glass up to the high ceiling. It's like the church is made of jewels. I took pictures, but I don't think you could take pictures that would do it justice. It's beautiful.
But the Internet Cafe is about to close, so I will have to save the paintings for tomorrow. I'm having trouble deciding what of all the wonderful things about Paris to tell you, so if you have any questions, ask away!
So what shall I say next? Let me tell you about what we're studying. The class is about art, but taught by a philosophy teacher, so it leads to interesting discussions on related topics like "what is art?" and "what do you need to know (about the artist, time period, story, etc.) to appreciate a work of art?" and "why ask questions about art anyway?" It's pretty interesting. The areas we're focusing on are Gothic Cathedrals, Impressionism/Post-Impressionism, and 20th century art. We've gotten through the first two so far.
The cathedrals were great, each better than the last. First, on Thursday (29th) we went to St Denis, which was the first gothic building. Not much of the original part remains, but it was really cool to be in the spot where it started, if you know what I mean. The rest of it, built in the later gothic period, was also really pretty. Then Friday we took the train out to Chartres, the most perfect of the gothic cathedrals. It was built in 30 years instead of 100+, so the style is pretty much uniform. I loved it. The statues there are especially good. Then Saturday we went to Notre Dame, which is only a few blocks from where I live. You can see it from my bridge. It, of course, was wonderful. I thought I was going to be crushed, though, from all the people there. Then Tuesday we went to Ste Chapelle, which is only a little further from our hostel. We were each assigned in groups to study and present on one of the churches, and Ste Chapelle was the one I picked, mostly because my History of Architecture professor had said that it was the most beautiful building in the world. (With one possible exception.) Well, he wasn't lying. There aren't really any walls to it-- it's just all stained glass up to the high ceiling. It's like the church is made of jewels. I took pictures, but I don't think you could take pictures that would do it justice. It's beautiful.
But the Internet Cafe is about to close, so I will have to save the paintings for tomorrow. I'm having trouble deciding what of all the wonderful things about Paris to tell you, so if you have any questions, ask away!
posted by LN | 2:31 PM
2 Comments:
Yes, Monet! One of my favorites. I got to see the Monet in the Mediterranean exhibit one time in Dallas and have been in love ever since. And will you see "the" Mona Lisa?
-K
So tell about Monet's gardens! This might not have been the perfect time of year to see his 'extensive grounds,' but toss us a crumb.....
xo
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