Between the tons of Paarl and Franschoek in the Western Cape Wine region is the beautifully restored historic farm of Babylonstoren ( Towers of Babylon). What better place to recreate historic gardens than on a farm with this name ( referring to the biblical ‘Hanging gardens of Babylon.)
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Notre Dame, a History in stone.
Ever since I read the romantic novel, Notre Dame, by Victor Hugo as a student, I dreamt of visiting the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris. I still remember how my heart skipped a beat at the sight of this great building as I crossed the bridge over the Seine to the Ile de Cite for the first time. The Cathedral, probably the best loved in Europe, with its facade decorated by the central rose window and flanked by square twin towers, seem to beckon you inside.
On a hillside in Nice, surrounded by a lush mediterranean garden lies the museum dedicated to the painter Marc Chagall. This is the first museum built in France to permanently display art of a living artist. The museum was built with the cooperation and involvement of the artist.
The permanent art works on display depicts images from the bible. The twentieth century art as a rule is overshadowed by a lack of religion and spirituality. Therefore this museum is like a breath of fresh air as it is permeated by Chagall’s childlike faith and spirituality.
Twelve huge paintings from Genesis and Exodus form the major part of the gallery, beautifully exhibited in a well laid out gallery where every wall was designed to display a specific painting. The artists vibrant use of colour in his paintings come to life in the good lighting of the museum.
The Museum of Antoine Bourdelle is located in the Montparnasse area. His former studio and a collection of art was left to the City of Paris after his death. The museum was his studio from 1885 until 1929.
Bourdelle was a one of the former students of the sculptor Rodin. Like his teacher he wanted to have a museum to commemorate his work.
The museum consists of various parts. Beyond the entry hall one enters a beautiful sculpture garden.
I am a confessed museum freak.
I prefer going to small art museums as they are far more accessible than huge museums like the Louvre. The smaller museums usually represents only one artist at a time. That allows you to get a grip on the art of a specific artist and help you to see how his style progressed over the years. Usually unfinished art works is on display as well witch gives insight in how the thought process af an artist work as well.
Zatkine Museum: Paris
Ossip Zatkine Worked in his studio close to the Luxemburg gardens. The house and studio was turned into a studio by Zatkine’s wife, Valintine Prax.
Sculptures from her personal collection as well as purchases later on fill the museum. The plain white interior of the building is a perfect backdrop for the artworks.
The garden also exhibits a set of beautiful sculptures.
