London’s Art Seen in Paris — London's Art Seen

This week’s blog is something a little different; not least because it’s not about art seen in London. It will also be formed of less words and more images.

So here goes, London’s Art Seen in Paris...

Highlights from a recent visit to the French capital included a trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower which was both high and full of light, dramatic sunset light in fact. Up, up, up and away, Charlie’s glass elevator opened and Paris appeared to have been given a wash of golden paint: simply magical. The tower cast a recognisable shadow over the honey-coloured city and then, once back down, it was framed by sky and artificial light reminiscent of the Pissarro painting from last week’s blog.

Through bullet proof protective glass Mona Lisa smiled at me for the first time and I was transfixed.

Leonardo da Vinci Mona Lisa c.1503-06 — Leonardo da Vinci *Mona Lisa* c.1503-06

Then, after a brisk walk through wings of the Louvre, past what appeared like a modern installation made of traditional picture frames, I met with Dutch lacemakers. Like the lace itself, Vermeer's brushwork was delicate, intricate and beautiful.

Johannes Vermeer The Lacemaker c.1669-70 — Johannes Vermeer *The Lacemaker* c.1669-70

In the Tuileries Gardens there was a reclining figure, lovers kissing and hands, lots of tender hands, all trying to keep warm.

Henry Moore Reclining Figure 1951 — Henry Moore *Reclining Figure* 1951

Francois Auguste Rene Rodin The Kiss — Francois Auguste Rene Rodin *The Kiss*

Louise Bourgeois The Welcoming Hands 1996 — Louise Bourgeois *The Welcoming Hands* 1996

And then the peaceful Monet’s in the Orangerie Museum, I never tire of them, tranquil, timeless and all encompassing. They make a marked contrast from the bustle of Parisian life outside. But I love both Paris’s and with more to still see, I know I’ll be back.

Claude Monet’s Water Lilies — Claude Monet’s *Water Lilies*

Framed by its iconic tower, boulevards and the Seine; the city’s art is framed inside museums protected by bulletproof glass or nestled into public spaces to be discovered. But, like the exhibit of empty frames, we all also frame what we see, we bring ourselves to a city and all it has to offer. So, for now, I return to London to frame my home city and its art. I loved visiting Paris but I continue to make London’s Art Seen.