Furrylittlegnome Sees Monet in Paris

When it comes to art, furrylittlegnome is at a loss.  Sure, she can recognize the works of Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, maybe Andy Warhol or the scribbles of a three year old child, but that is the extent of her art knowledge.

Known for his uses of light and texture in his paintings, Oscar-Claude Monet (born in Paris in 1840), was a founder of Impressionist painting in France.  Where can one travel to to see these famous canvases?  Paris, of course!

The Musee de l’Orangerie was built in 1852 and is located in the Tuileries Gardens, on the right bank, near the Place de la Concorde.

Musee de l’Orangerie in Paris

As World War I came to an end, Claude Monet wanted to donate some of his work to the French government to commemmorate the event.  At the urging of a friend, in 1922, Monet agreed to terms to have large panels of “Les Nympheas” or “The Water Lilies” displayed at the museum.  Like most of his work, Monet’s flower garden at his home in Giverny, France was the inspiration.

In 1927, one year after Claude Monet’s death, “The Water Lilies” in the oval room at the Museum de l’Orangerie opened to the public.

Located on the left bank, across the River Seine from the Tuileries Gardens, the Musee d’Orsay is an impressive sight.  A train station in the early 1900s, it was converted into a museum in 1986.

The Musee d’Orsay is home to many French artists and houses some of the most recognizable works of art by Claude Monet.

“Woman with a Parasol” – 1886.

“Water Lilly Pond” – 1899.

“Regatta at Argenteuil” – 1872.

Remember, friends of furrylittlegnome, check your guidebooks or museum websites for hours of operation.  The Musee de l’Orangerie is closed on Tuesdays, and the Musee d’Orsay is closed on Mondays!