Wednesday, August 4, 2010

City of Light

Last week, we took an 'art break' and headed to the city for the Impressionist Paris: City of Light exhibit at the Legion of Honor which is concurrent with Birth of Impressionism at the de Young. 

Of the over 150 prints, drawings, photographs, paintings, and illustrations, this photograph above along with one of the most evocative passages in Emile Zola's novel L'oeuvre (The Masterpiece, 1886) really spoke to my heart the most ~

Claude was quivering with delight, "Ah! This Paris!" he cried.  It's ours!  All ours for the taking!  Each one of them was thrilled almost beyond words as they looked on the scene with eyes that shone with desire.  Did they not feel glory being wafted over the whole vast city from the top of that Avenue?  Paris was here, and they meant it to be theirs.


[photograph by Charles Marville]

13 comments:

  1. I haven't made it out yet...I REALLY have to go! It sounds amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sounds amazing!

    Thank you thank you thank you sweet one...just got your adorable card in my snail mail...oh how you made my day! You are way tooooo sweet for words. It is now pinned to my inspiration board in my KITCHEN!!!! Hugs.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I've seen the DeYoung exhibit but haven't made it to the Legion of Honor for this one yet. Next week!

    I love that quote "quivering with delight". Yep. That's Paris.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I just finished booking my September trip as I read this............and I am delighted. Fabulous photo to share Mel, I think I shall use it for my screensaver for the next few weeks. Much love XO

    ReplyDelete
  5. Ah, I just had to sit back and sigh and take in this image. It's lovely. Want to jump right in and take a stroll down that street.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I am headed there next week with a friend and can't wait!!! Hope all is lovely!! I so enjoy reading your blog!! XO

    ReplyDelete
  7. I wish I could travel back in time and be in this photograph.

    ReplyDelete
  8. That fabulous quote has a way of placing the reader in their shoes- one can almost feel the excitement and profound joy.

    ReplyDelete
  9. What a wonderful image - I want to see more!

    ReplyDelete
  10. It really is such an amazing place. I love getting off the beaten path... there is so much to discover!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I stared at the lovely image for a few moments pretending that I am standing there on that lovely little street taking it all in, I think I would be wearing red shoes and a navy skirt holding my sweet husband's hand as we wander together. I love when an image takes me there in my mind and in my memories.
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  12. I am going to paris in 3 days to celebrate my 5th anniversary! I am so excited. i am a lover of art history, and I can't wait to see works by Renoir & Monet... did you see any of their peices there? Are they in the Louvre?

    ReplyDelete

Share your dreamy thoughts with me.....

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails