Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Musee de la vie Romantique, Pierre-Joseph Redoute

You can take Bus 67 all the way from Central Paris to Pigalle, 18eme. Then walk 5 minutes to the musee de la vie Romantique. Metro ligne 12 goes too. For some unknown reason the bus dumped us out at Hotel de Ville. I could not resist buying a few peonies/pivoines on sale as I waited for the next 67...
Musee de la Vie Romantique is one of Paris' prettiest small museums. 16, rue Chaptal 75018
Take a tea outside, relax
And smell the roses.
Inside more roses at the first Joseph-Pierre Redouté exhibiton in Paris just opened on till October 1.
A major botanical artist (1759-1840) and Belgian, Redouté recorded the floral varieties in Empress Josephine Bonaparte's garden at Malmaison.
His technique of fine stipple engraving, using tiny dots rather than fine lines allowed for more subtle color gradations.
A number of his oils are on view.
Redouté, the 'Raphael of flowers' is still revered for his exquisite floral renderings, especially his roses. 'He lead the way in an era of natural sciences, classifying and identifying plants collected over five continents - then reproducing them in watercolor on precious vellums of unequaled scientific accuracy and artistic talent'.
More than 250 paintings, watercolors, objets d'art are presented in 3 rotating 'saisons' so you can return several times to see different artworks.
Floral Sevres porcelain inspired by Redoutë's botanical engravings.
I was smitten with these fragile gold bouquet holders. 19th century fans, jewelry, embroidaries, wall hangings in the exhibit reflect the craze for botany.
To be painted with a rose wreath in your hair! You'll find wreaths like this at 14, rue des St-Peres at Flower.com

Stunning examples of wallpaper designs based on Redouté's engravings
Close-up of endpapers from the museum's Redouté catalog, 'Le Pouvoir des Fleurs'
Contemporary works by 26 artists are included in the exhibit.
They gave us brown paper wrapped bouquets as we left the preview. I had my 3 peonie buds tucked in my bag waiting to be painted. Thank you for reading Parisbreakfast.  If you'd like to receive Paris letters and mapin your mailbox, do visit my Etsy shop. 
And don't miss musee de la vie Romantique if you're a flower-lover!

25 comments:

  1. I would have loved this! Beautiful..and to me you are peonies and pastries and teas.
    And Bonne Maman and apricots etc..Ladurée..Angelina..

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    1. Too kind Nana...what about puppydog tails and mud pies?

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  2. I would love this trip. I love all things romantic. Thanks for taking us along. :)

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  3. I love that you introduce us to things that aren't the Louvre or d'Orsay (though you can do that too and I'm happy as a clam!) But I'm not sure I would have found this one without a lovely Parisian guide! Merci!

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  4. These are truly beautiful, this little museum firmly on my list for our next visit .. thank you for sharing

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    1. Delighted to hear Kate,
      It is a special museum indeed.

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  5. Wonderful. The fragrances jump off the page!

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    1. What a great idea to have floral perfumes wafting in the gallery!

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  6. This is one of my favorite museums. Bonus: it's only a 5 minute walk from A l'etoile d'Or!

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    1. It took all my strength not to go up rue Fontaine.
      Never mind. There was a nice no-name boulangerie on rue Chaptal just down from the museum and they had wonderful little toasted almond cakes.
      I may have to return...

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  7. Susie K12:58 PM

    Gorgeous, Carole!! LOVE these pictures and paintings. Going to do this when I get to Paris.

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  8. Had this museum on the list for our Sept. trip - now it's an absolute must to see that art work. Thanks, Carol, you have been instrumental in our trip planning.

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  9. Oh Thank you for the respite from our Maine, gray wet days. First glimpse of your peony took my breath away. You have saved me many times through this winter with your invitation into Paris and your luscious drawings

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  10. Clarity Artists3:59 PM

    Its always so very fun to read and view all those images. Delicious.

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  11. I love reading your blog but rarely comment. It brings back such memories of my one and only trip to Paris. As a pensioner I can't afford to subscribe to your postcards but have great joy in reading your posts.

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    1. Very kind of you Penny to let me know!!!
      Much appreciated 😀

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  12. Lynne C12:04 AM

    My favorite flower. These were beautiful and very calming. Thank you.

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  13. What a great museum, thanks for showing me. I love flower paintings though would really love that tea set.....

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    1. Then you would love the musee de Sevres at the end of Metro line 9 Kirrabelle.
      Very easy to visit in Paris. I'm overdue a visit myself.

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  14. Very, very beautiful, Carol; fabulous photos.

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    1. Thanks Nikon!!!
      Love yr comments 😄😄😄

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  15. A very gentle and quietly poetic posting

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  16. Isabelle in Brussels4:50 AM

    Bravo for your blog and your paintings, each time it is so nice happy time to discover you sensitive view of a place or event

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  17. Peonies! The world's most perfect flower! Except for....no, don't let me get started!

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  18. What a delightful little museum! I will be in Paris 9 days and I will have this in my list of places to visit! Merci!

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