Underwater Where Thoughts Can Breathe Easily

We continued on into La Musée De L'Orangerie.  Located on the edge of the Tuileries, it was originally built to shelter the orange trees, and now holds an impressive Impressionist collection, including eight of Monet's waterlilies along with pieces by Cézanne, Matisse, and Renoir, among others.

The waterlilies were superb, as expected.  The one in the middle picture was my favorite, with the vertical electric blue lines throughout it.  Absolutely fascinating.

There were also a few really nice Renoir still life's.  I'm not always a fan of Renoir's works, and really, the full paintings of these two close ups aren't that amazing, but the details are great.  The motion of the peaches and the light reflecting off of the glass vase is absolutely beautiful.

Here is one of Gaugin's landscapes.  Again, the motion of the paint strokes draw you in, encouraging you to look at each section of the painting.  

And of course, my favorite Cézanne of all time, Boat and Bathers.  The rectangular shape is so relaxing and peaceful, with the strong curve of the boat mast splitting the painting into two.  Trees and bathers and water and sky, with a strong horizon line finishing the cross in the middle.  The lovely blending within the impressionist lines and colors that represent light is really brought to the forefront here.

Sadly, we did not get to see the entire collection.  As we were there on a weeknight, the museum was closing early.  Not to worry though, there was plenty else to do in the area.  We walked along the Tuileries on the Rue de Rivoli, a street that has all the fanciest hotels and shops, up to the Louvre to see the pyramid and palace at night.  And on the way back, we got to see La Tour Eiffel sparkle!

(photos by e.hunt)