Giovanni Bellini, Jacquemart-André

 

So many exhibits to see in Paris, but one procrastinates. 

And then one never get around to it. Or waits till big warning posters go up in the Metro. Then the masses descend. 

Being an uber-ADHDer who rarely plans ahead, does not help.

When Rosemary asked, “want to go see the Bellini on Tuesday at 10:30?” I jumped. 

Even if it was raining cats & dogs. 

BOOK YOUR TICKET AHEAD. That’s how it is post-Covid. It’s not going away.

“There are too many masterpieces.” 50 works of the Venetian Italian Renaissance are gathered from many private and public collections.

A little background on Giovanni (ca. 1435-1516). 

Born the illegitimate son of painter Jacapo Bellini, he joined his father’s painting studio along with his brother, Gentile and brother-in-law Andrea Mantegna (married to his sister Nicolosia). Not a bad family to be born into 👍

Here he picked up a command of Classicism, sculptural forms and perspective. He was influenced by every artist coming to Venice, like Antonella da Messina and sculptor Donatello. Works by Flemish artists Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling made their way to Venice and influenced Giovanni. Along with his exceptional students Titian and Giorgione.

I was captivated by the details.

“The magic is always in the details”

Look for enthralling miniature Tuscan landscapes within the bigger pictures.

Tuscan hilltop towns haven’t changed in Italy, 

Seen in Volterra, Tuscany at a watercolor workshop.

The intensity of the brilliant colors painted in egg tempura.

I wondered why the Madonna’s mantel always was blue and her dress red? While the blue represents the Virgin's purity, and connotes her royal status, the red garment signifies traits connected with motherhood, including love, passion, and devotion. 

There is the pigment factor - Lapis lazuli blue was the most costly & rarest of pigments. As was Vermilion red. Both were required for the commissioned paintings, plus gold leaf.

Rosemary noticed an abondance of pink, which I completely missed. Was it leftover Vermillion mixed with lead white? No pigments were wasted in the atelier.

Later I found the perfect matching pink in my fromage blanc verrine

With coulis de framboises.

It was still raining cats & dogs when we left.

We stopped by a little tea shop, Les Thés d’Emilie near Rosemary’s. I have always want to go inside.

Amidst the plethora of British tea paraphrenalia 

I spotted THE CUP ☕️ (next to Wilkins orange marmelade). 

On the bottom it says ‘Jours Heureux’ 

❤️ Instant love 

Next thing I knew Rosemary was having it wrapped up! 🎁 

La la la la la

On Etsy now if you want la tasse bleue