Having lived in Paris for almost 10 years now I am still intimidated by the Louvre. There’s something overwhelming about the thought of going to the Louvre, having visited only a few times since I moved here, but once I am there I really enjoy it.
I was there last week to do some research for a writing project outside of my blog. As I was busily checking things off my research list, I stopped in one room to admire the unusual ceilings painted by George Braques, which I had never seen before. I found out Braque was commissioned in 1953 to paint the ceilings of the former royal antechamber of King Henri II. The three panels are called The Birds.
In the next room the ceiling was painted by Cy Twombly, another modern day commission appointed to the artist in 2010, the first since the Braque ceiling. The 4300 ft. mural with a deep blue background is a geometric design with floating disks and the names of ancient Grecian sculptors. The blue was inspired by Giotto.
Now on a mission, I searched for other modern day ceilings but didn’t find any more but appreciated and studied all the other classic ceilings in the same gallery. I also took photos of the ceilings where The Winged Victory is hung.
New! Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes
I am happy to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes. Come take an ethnic culinary journey with me and chef and caterer Charlotte Puckette, co-author of the bestseller The Ethnic Paris Cookbook (with Olivia Kiang-Snaije). First we will shop at a Paris green-market for the freshest ingredients and then return to Charlotte's professional kitchen near the Eiffel Tower to cook a three-course lunch. After, we will indulge in the delicious feast we prepared along with hand-selected wines.
Cost: 195 euros per person (about $240)
Time: 9:30AM- 2PM (approximately 4 1/2 hours)
Location: We will meet by a metro station close to the market
Class days: Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday,Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Minimum of 2 students, maximum 6 students.
Click here to sign up for the next class or for more info.
Come experience Eye Prefer Paris live with Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I personally lead. Eye Prefer Paris Tours include many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes, food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks and gardens and much more. In addition to my specialty Marais Tour, I also lead tours of Montmartre, St. Germain, Latin Quarter, in addition to Shopping Tours, Gay Tours, Girlfriend Tours, Food Tours, Flea Market Tours, Paris Highlights Tours, and Chocolate & Pastry tours.
Tours start at 225 euros for up to 3 people, and 75 euros for each additional person. I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris.
Check it out at www.eyepreferparistours.com
Click here to watch a video of our famous Marais tour
EXCELLENT post Richard. On a side note: The birds (first photo) have been firm friends of me and I have them as a lovely smallish print in a beautiful blue 'raw wooden' frame, bought in England and hanging in our bedroom and also sent this card many times for special occasions.... BUT I've never consciously taken note on my visits of the Louvre!!! Thank you again for this eye-opener. Kiki
Posted by: Kiki | March 16, 2015 at 11:25 AM