Introduction
Paris, the City of Light, is renowned for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. In the video Paris: Embracing Life and Art, travel expert Rick Steves takes viewers to explore the city’s most iconic artistic and architectural wonders. From the soaring spires of Notre Dame to the intricate details of the Louvre, Steve showcases the beauty and grandeur of Paris’s art and architecture. The primary beauty of Paris lies within its architecture and sculpture, with some Renaissance and Gothic-style work dating back to the 12th century, including museums, sculptures, galleries, and chapels.
Parisian Art and Architecture
Cluny Museum
The Cluny Museum is the first essential part of Parisian art, as noticed by Rick Steves. The Renaissance was coming from Italy in the 1400s as trade was starting to blossom, and this was the time when the museum was constructed (“Paris: Embracing Life and Art,” 3:57). A little-known gem, the Cluny Museum’s extensive collection of medieval artwork provides a unique window into that enigmatic period. The museum exhibits its lavish ivory items and colorful enamel craftsmanship. The tapestries known as The Lady and the Unicorn, which date to the 15th century, serve as its focal point (“Paris: Embracing Life and Art,” 3:57).
Orangerie
Another museum with fascinating architecture and works is Orangerie, which is located in the Tuileries Gardens, one of the largest municipal parks (“Paris: Embracing Life and Art,” 12:50). The park was once King Louis IX’s backyard in the 1300s (“Paris: Embracing Life and Art,” 12:50). Although the Orangerie is no longer surrounded by vegetation, it is still full of paintings from the Impressionist and early 20th century, including pieces by Renoir, Cezanne, Gaugin, and others (“Paris: Embracing Life and Art,” 12:50). Therefore, the museums of Paris have existed for centuries, emphasizing the features of earlier architectural styles and preferences.
Sainte-Chapelle
Another fascinating artwork is the Sainte-Chapelle, among the most notable Parisian constructions. It is a 13th-century Gothic chapel well-known for its breathtaking stained-glass windows, which adorn virtually all of the walls (“Paris: Embracing Life and Art,” 7:20). The windows, which feature biblical subjects, are regarded as some of the world’s best pieces of Gothic stained glass (“Paris: Embracing Life and Art,” 7:20). This work represents the prevailing gothic style and biblical symbols.
The Thinker
As for sculptures, The Thinker is a famous bronze sculpture. It was created in 1906 by French artist Auguste Rodin (“Paris: Embracing Life and Art,” 17:58). The sculpture depicts a man deep in thought, resting his chin on his hand (“Paris: Embracing Life and Art,” 17:58). The statue is housed in the Rodin Museum in Paris it is one of Rodin’s most famous works and a masterpiece of modern sculpture.
La Défense Esplanade
Finally, with intriguing works, La Défense Esplanade resembles an outdoor modern art gallery (“Paris: Embracing Life and Art,” 9:43). La Grande Arche, which was revealed in 1989 to mark the anniversary of the French Revolution, serves as the site’s centerpiece (“Paris: Embracing Life and Art,” 9:43). The given piece is a perfect representation of geometrical forms in light colors. Therefore, every piece of art in Paris has an astonishing background, making it even more meaningful.
Conclusion
Hence, the main attractions of Paris are its buildings and sculptures, some of which date back to the 12th century and are in the Renaissance and Gothic styles. These attractions include churches, sculpture gardens, galleries, and museums.
According to Rick Steves, the Cluny Museum is the first significant component of Parisian art. The Orangerie, another museum with intriguing art and architecture, is situated in the Tuileries Gardens, one of the biggest municipal parks. The Sainte-Chapelle, one of the well-known buildings in Paris, is another intriguing example of art. Regarding sculptures, Auguste Rodin’s Thinker is a well-known bronze work. La Grande Arche is La Défense Esplanade’s main attraction.
Work Cited
“Paris: Embracing Life and Art [Video].” YouTube, uploaded by Rick Steves’ Europe. 2014. Web.