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Today, in my series about things to see in Paris, I invite you to the Musée Marmottan. Permanent home to the world’s largest collection of Monet’s paintings, the Marmottan is one of my favourite museums in Paris.
It was originally built as a hunting lodge on the edge of the Bois de Boulogne, it was bought by the Marmottan family who converted the lodge to a ‘hotel particulier’, [the French name for a large private town home.]
In 1932, Paul Marmottan bequeathed the property, and the art collection inside it, to the Fine Arts Academy; ever since it has been a private museum, open to the public all year round.
Up to the beginning of June, they are showing the paintings and watercolours of Marie Laurencin.
Contemporary to Picasso, Braque Douanier Rousseau and many others, she was successful in her own lifetime, as a painter, a portrait artist and as a writer.
She portrayed many well known names, such as Coco Chanel, shown here.
Her life was fun and tumultuous, and she most certainly needed a great deal of personality and obstinacy to find her place in the artistic circle of the time. Hard to believe it when you see this picture of a sweet little lady, photograhed here in 1904.
16 comments
There's a wicked sense of humour lurking behind that sweet little lady's smile! Would like to have met her. Love her unconventional style of portraiture.
What would I give to have that kind of talent!
I have never been to this museum… Thank you Sharon… I shall make sure to visit next time I am in Paris… ENjoy the weekend… xv
Thank you so much for mentioning this museum, I was unaware. This is definitely one that I will visit. The larger more recognized museums seem to capture all the attention, I love hearing about the ones locals prefer.
Thanks for the virtual trip today. Always fun.
Such delicate, abstract feminine mystery in her pastel colourings and discreet allure of Japanese-modesty eyes.
Laurencin's beautiful 'Valentine' and 'Mother & Child' from 1924 – 1926 are prints which perfume walls in my home. They reflect to me her tenacious ability to portray her artisan spiritual nature.
A double Scorpio, with Neptune's influence allowed ephemeral knowingness a pass into material life via Marie's hand. Thank you for highlighting this wonderful woman.
She is one of my favorite artists.
To actually own one of these divine pieces would be a treasure. Beautiful Sharon, thank you for sharing this.
Your blog is just wonderful and thankyou so much for sending your daily one to me. I smile each time I see it there . Happy Spring xx Gabi
How I wish I could get there personally, I was fascinated with those portraits.
Love,
Alva@UK Holiday Home
I love this museum and the L'orangerie as well I discovered it when I did my year Abroad in Paris in college. A beautiful place!! Thanks Melissa
I just visited the Marmottan this week and was enchanted with the exposition. I had never heard of Marie Laurencin but I loved the gentle idyllic quality of her paintings.
Thank you for this info. Monet is my favorite, and I had no idea of this museum before. My Paris list has become very long!
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Did not realise that Monet was housed in this museum – knowledge welcomed especially for any future trips to Paris.
Françoise Creton Claudel 15 Avril 2013
je viens de découvrir votre blog grâce à une amie, je suis heureuse que vous ayez découvert cet endroit enchanteur " le Jardin des Plumes à Giverny "que je connais bien,le décor est raffiné,la cuisine : chaque plat est un chef d'oeuvre
et un ravissement pour les papilles(www.lejardindesplumes.fr) et si vous allez vers la Baule faites une halte en Brière à St Joachim "La Mare aux Oiseaux" magique!! (www.mareauxoiseaux.fr)un week end inoubliable assuré!