Paris et ses musees

While it continues to be dreary here, with plenty of rain and general gray, I've been having a great time with one of my most interesting classes here, an Art History class based 90% in museums around Paris. The class is basically a chronological look at french art from the origins of the Academy up through modern art. So far, we've been to the Louvre five times, the Musee Jacquemart-Andre, and we just did a class at the Orsay today on Courbet (including a stop at this, this, and a very graphic piece here) early Monet (this piece), and Manet (including Olympia, and one of my favorites, le Balcon with a youngish Berthe Morisot in the painting).

Back in DC, I whenever I get the chance, I try to make a trip to the Phillip's Collection, the National Gallery, or any of the other great museums in DC. I've done the Audio Guide thing and even read that book you find in lots of museum gift shops called The Annotated Mona Lisa (actually worth a read). Here, I've really had the opportunity to throw myself more into art, and it's been worth it. Art's one of those things you can see and appreciate, but the more you put into it, the more you get. Every piece has its nuances and history, and it makes the whole experience a lot more enjoyable if you get the background. So, while I know everyone can't take an art class before they head to Paris, read up a bit at least. Coming here excited to see pieces, even if they are some god-awful Renoir paintings, makes the experience a lot more rewarding.