Art students in Paris

Lower sixth art and art history students visited Paris over the weekend:

Thursday 18 February

After checking in at the Hotel de Ville, we walked to Musee Rodin, where we had an informative discussion on Rodin's sculptures in the gardens and around the house. 

We also managed to gain access to a special exhibition: Matisse and Rodin which was a very interesting exercise in comparing the drawings and sculpture of the two artists.

Later we left for Centre George Pompidou to view an exhibition containing some controversial work reviewing female (feminist) artists over the past 50 years or so, and in the evening we dined at a local restaurant.

Friday 19 February

We left the hotel early in the morning to walk to Musee Orangerie to check in at 9.00am. (It did prove a challenge for some of the party to get ready in time for a prompt departure, but as a result the group were treated to the invigorating exercise of speed walking to the Musee Orangerie so as not to be late!)

At the Musee the students were amazed by the cycle of 22 panels of water-lily paintings which prompted an interesting discussion and analysis of techniques and ideas of the Impressionists and some comparable artists.

In the afternoon we moved on to the Musee D'Orsay, where we discussed a number of key works to clarify in the girls' minds the difference between Classic and Romantic, Realism, Impressionism, Post Impressionism and how to recognise their characteristics.

The top floors, which usually house the Impressionist and Post Impressionist works, had been moved down a floor and reorganised, but despite this, some very useful and informative work was done - and it also meant we didn't have to walk as far!

After returning to the hotel for a short rest and a quick supper at MacDonalds (by popular request!) we made our way to the Eiffel Tower and enjoyed the view from the top.  

Saturday 20 February

Today's visit was Marmottan to view an impressive collection of Impressionist paintings by Monet and associated artists.  We were also fortunate to have caught the last day of a special exhibition of Fauve and Expressionist paintings.

Lunch was pleasantly spent at a Patisserie - and some very attractive cakes were consumed - followed by a visit to the Louvre and a discussion about Classic/Romantic works and some of the gallery's key paintings.  We walked back to Concord through the Tuillerie Gardens and returned to Grenelle for some last minute shopping before collecting cases from the hotel and returning home.

It was an excellent trip and the girls accumulated valuable information and pictures for their work journals as well as taking part in an enjoyable experience they will never forget.

Mike Norcross, Head of Art

 24.2.10