0 Comments
![]() Mary Cassatt, “Woman with a Pearl Necklace in a Loge,” 1879 (Photo: Wikimedia Commons Public Domain) When you think of Paris, its illustrious landmarks likely come to mind. While some of these monuments date all the way back to the Middle Ages, many of them were constructed during La Belle Époque. Emerging in the late 19th century, this “golden age” saw the construction of icons ranging from the emblematic Eiffel Tower to the city’s sinuous metro entrances. Architecture wasn’t the only art form transformed by La Belle Époque’s golden touch, however; French art and literature also made major strides during this period, culminating in a cultural phenomenon unlike any other. ; What is La Belle Époque?![]() Stock Photos from Everett Historical/Shutterstock Literally translated to “the beautiful era,” Paris’ La Belle Époque lasted from 1871 to 1914. During this time, several aspects of Parisian culture saw important developments. In fine art, Impressionist, Cubist, and Fauvist pioneers revolutionized painting, and graphic designers elevated printmaking to a fine art form. Architects executed plans for a new Paris, while writers made their mark with a more modern approach to storytelling. What sparked such an all-encompassing golden age? To find out, one must contextualize this cultural event within history. ; Historical Context![]() English: The rue de Rivoli after the fights and the fires of the Paris Commune, Paris 4th arr. In the background, the hôtel de ville de Paris, 1871 (Photo: Wikimedia Commons Public Domain) In the summer of 1871, the City of Light was finding its footing after the fall of the Paris Commune. The Paris Commune was a revolutionary government that emerged as a result of France’s defeat during the Franco-Prussian War and, consequently, the collapse of Napoleon III’s Second Empire. Backed by the National Guard, this radical left-wing commune seized power on March 18 and ruled Paris until May 28, when the city was reclaimed by the French Army—but not without a fight. During the violent confrontation, buildings across Paris—including Haussmann apartments on the bustling rue de Rivoli, Hôtel de Ville, Paris’ city hall, and most symbolically, the Tuileries Palace—were set alight. As a result, the new government was faced with the task of rebuilding Paris. While some buildings were restored to their original selves, others were either rebuilt in a new style or replaced entirely. In any case, these projects ushered in a new period of Paris: La Belle Époque. ; Cultural ContributionsIconic Architecture![]() Palais Garnier’s interior, postcard from 1909.(Photo: Wikimedia Commons Public Domain) Paris’ architectural developments during La Belle Époque cannot be understated. In addition to the Eiffel Tower—a “great pylon” designed to serve as an entrance to the Exposition Universelle, or World’s Fair, in 1889—the period saw the construction of Beaux-Arts buildings like the Gare d’Orsay (the present-day Musée d’Orsay), the Petit Palais, the Grand Palais, and the Palais Garnier, Paris’ premier opera house. The dazzling domes of Grands Magasins, or department stores, changed the skyline; Art Nouveau entryways transformed the underground; and the Romano-Byzantine Sacré-Coeur breathed new life into the heart of Paris. ; Avant-Garde Art![]() Jules Chéret, “Bal du Moulin Rouge,” 1889 (Photo: Wikimedia Commons Public Domain) In fin de siècle (“end of century”) Paris, art underwent an avant-garde overhaul. Until the 1870s, most French painters clung to the traditional tastes of the Académie des Beaux-Arts. This prestigious Parisian organization held annual salons that exhibited a carefully selected collection of art. Typically, the jury favored works featuring conventional subject matter, from historic portraits to religious allegories. ;Reacting against these stifling standards, a group of artists—including Claude Monet, ;Pierre-Auguste Renoir, ;Edgar Degas, and Camille Pissarro—began working in a style characterized by unrealistic brushwork and ordinary subject matter. They held independent exhibitions, and eventually came to be known as the Impressionists. The Impressionists paved the way for other modernist movements, including color-crazy Fauvism, abstract-minded Cubism, and eclectic Post-Impressionism. In addition to painting, however, La Belle Époque saw major strides in graphic design, when Jules Chéret, the “father of the modern poster,” introduced the color lithograph. With this new technology, artists like Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Alphonse Mucha boldly immortalized the cafes, cabarets, and clubs that colored turn-of-the-century Paris. ; Notable Writers![]() Portrait of Victor Hugo (ca. 1871) (Photo: Wikimedia Commons Public Domain) During La Belle Époque, Paris became a writers’ hub. Among its most influential figures were short story pioneer Guy de Maupassant and Naturalist novelist, playwright, and journalist Émile Zola. Even Romantic writer Victor Hugo—who was raised in Paris but lived in exile from 1851—returned to the French capital in 1871 at the age of 68. While he wrote his most famous Paris-set works years earlier (The Hunchback of Notre-Dame and Les Misérables in 1831 and 1862, respectively), his lifelong work and love of Paris undoubtedly inspired writers to flee to the capital during La Belle Époque. ; The End of an Era![]() Stock Photos from Premier Photo/Shutterstock Just as military conflict sparked Paris’ Golden Age, it also extinguished it. The onset of World War I brought an abrupt end to the period of prosperity, as Paris’ recent cultural developments were overshadowed by mobilization efforts. In fact, it was during the war that La Belle Époque retroactively received its romantic name. Though the era has long since ended, its presence can still be seen and felt throughout the City of Light, illustrating the range of its influence—and Paris’ unchanging legacy. “He who contemplates the depths of Paris is seized with vertigo,” Victor Hugo wrote. “Nothing is more fantastic. Nothing is more tragic. Nothing is more sublime.” Related Articles:5 Must-See Museums in Paris (That Aren’t The Louvre or Musée d’Orsay) 5 Rock-Solid Facts About Paris’ Amazing Arc de Triomphe 6 Places in Paris Where You Can Still Experience Notre-Dame’s Medieval Magic Take a Sweet Peek Inside Paris’ Oldest Chocolate Shop The post How “La Belle Époque” Transformed Paris Into the City We Know and Love Today appeared first on My Modern Met. from https://ift.tt/2vlL1JX from https://huerednerofficial.tumblr.com/post/190742574562 ![]() British artist Amy Rose Geden adds her own twist to the romantic aesthetic of botanical prints. In each of her pieces, Geden arranges several watercolor illustrations, which include varieties of flora and fauna, as well as unique found objects such as keys and candlesticks. While some paintings may only contain pleasing arrays of flowers, others have juxtaposing motifs, like binoculars, insects, and eggs. To achieve precise naturalistic detail to her illustrations, Geden often draws from her surroundings as well as from reference books. First, each object is carefully studied in preliminary drafts. Then, the artist thoughtfully organizes her subjects into a way that is visually pleasing—often by color or genre—and starts sketching the final piece. Each original painting is made up of layers of watercolor and gouache, creating depth and realism. Geden’s unique aesthetic and keen eye for overlooked items brings a fresh approach to the art of vintage botanical prints. You can purchase originals, prints, postcards and more of Geden’s work through her Etsy shop. And, to keep up to date with the artist’s latest creations, you can follow her on Instagram. Artist Amy Rose Geden combines natural history with botanical motifs in her prints.![]() The artist takes inspiration from her surroundings as well as from found objects.![]() She paints each original piece in watercolor and sells giclee prints on her Etsy shop.
My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Amy Rose Geden.Related Articles:Incredibly Detailed Illustrations of Giant Trees With Unruly Roots Poetic Illustrations Are Delicately Cut From a Single Sheet of Paper Charming Watercolor Illustrations of Women and Their Animal Companions The post Watercolorist Creates Vintage-Style Prints of Botanicals and Tiny Specimen Collections appeared first on My Modern Met. from https://ift.tt/3boCerg from https://huerednerofficial.tumblr.com/post/190742574237 ![]() This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please read our disclosure for more info. If you love Japanese art, this recent book release from Taschen is sure to pique your interest. Titled Japanese Woodblock Prints (1680- 1983), the 622-page hardcover edition chronicles over two centuries of the one-of-a-kind art form, from breathtaking landscapes to vibrant images of mythical creatures. Taschen spent 3 years putting together the stunning collection of 200 reproduced Japanese woodblock prints from the archives of museums and private collections across the globe. It comprises the work of 89 artists in 7 chapters organized chronologically that trace the history of the age-old medium from 1680 to 1938. It also includes 17 fold-out images, a full appendix listing the artists, the titles of the woodblock prints, as well as editorial notes by author Andreas Marks, head of the Japanese and Korean Art Department at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The book covers a broad range of woodblock print masters’ subjects as well as the stories behind each motif. “We discover the four pillars of the woodblock print—beauties, actors, landscapes, and bird-and-flower compositions—alongside depictions of sumo wrestlers, kabuki actors, or enticing courtesans—rock stars who populated the ‘floating world’ and whose fan bases fueled the frenzied production of woodblock prints,” say Taschen. “We delve into the horrifying and the obscure in prints where demons, ghosts, man-eaters, and otherworldly creatures torment the living—stunning images that continue to influence Japanese manga, film, and video games to this day.” Want to add this visual history book to your collection? You can buy Japanese Woodblock Prints (1680- 1983) on the Taschen website now. This new book chronicles over two centuries of Japanese woodblock prints from 1680 to 1938.![]() ![]() It comprises 200 prints from the work of 89 woodblock masters.![]() Taschen spent 3 years sourcing each image from museums and private collections around the world.
My Modern Met granted permission to feature images by Taschen.Related Articles:The Unique History and Exquisite Aesthetic of Japan’s Ethereal Woodblock Prints 500 Japanese Woodblock Prints from Van Gogh’s Collection Are Now Available to Download 220,000+ Japanese Woodblock Prints Available Online in Growing Database How to Make Your Own Woodblock Print Like the Japanese Masters The post 200 Japanese Woodblock Prints From Over Two Centuries in One Book appeared first on My Modern Met. from https://ift.tt/2w56S99 from https://huerednerofficial.tumblr.com/post/190742574437 ![]() Mary Cassatt, “Woman with a Pearl Necklace in a Loge,” 1879 (Photo: Wikimedia Commons Public Domain) When you think of Paris, its illustrious landmarks likely come to mind. While some of these monuments date all the way back to the Middle Ages, many of them were constructed during La Belle Époque. Emerging in the late 19th century, this “golden age” saw the construction of icons ranging from the emblematic Eiffel Tower to the city’s sinuous metro entrances. Architecture wasn’t the only art form transformed by La Belle Époque’s golden touch, however; French art and literature also made major strides during this period, culminating in a cultural phenomenon unlike any other. ; What is La Belle Époque?![]() Stock Photos from Everett Historical/Shutterstock Literally translated to “the beautiful era,” Paris’ La Belle Époque lasted from 1871 to 1914. During this time, several aspects of Parisian culture saw important developments. In fine art, Impressionist, Cubist, and Fauvist pioneers revolutionized painting, and graphic designers elevated printmaking to a fine art form. Architects executed plans for a new Paris, while writers made their mark with a more modern approach to storytelling. What sparked such an all-encompassing golden age? To find out, one must contextualize this cultural event within history. ; Historical Context![]() English: The rue de Rivoli after the fights and the fires of the Paris Commune, Paris 4th arr. In the background, the hôtel de ville de Paris, 1871 (Photo: Wikimedia Commons Public Domain) In the summer of 1871, the City of Light was finding its footing after the fall of the Paris Commune. The Paris Commune was a revolutionary government that emerged as a result of France’s defeat during the Franco-Prussian War and, consequently, the collapse of Napoleon III’s Second Empire. Backed by the National Guard, this radical left-wing commune seized power on March 18 and ruled Paris until May 28, when the city was reclaimed by the French Army—but not without a fight. During the violent confrontation, buildings across Paris—including Haussmann apartments on the bustling rue de Rivoli, Hôtel de Ville, Paris’ city hall, and most symbolically, the Tuileries Palace—were set alight. As a result, the new government was faced with the task of rebuilding Paris. While some buildings were restored to their original selves, others were either rebuilt in a new style or replaced entirely. In any case, these projects ushered in a new period of Paris: La Belle Époque. ; Cultural ContributionsIconic Architecture![]() Palais Garnier’s interior, postcard from 1909.(Photo: Wikimedia Commons Public Domain) Paris’ architectural developments during La Belle Époque cannot be understated. In addition to the Eiffel Tower—a “great pylon” designed to serve as an entrance to the Exposition Universelle, or World’s Fair, in 1889—the period saw the construction of Beaux-Arts buildings like the Gare d’Orsay (the present-day Musée d’Orsay), the Petit Palais, the Grand Palais, and the Palais Garnier, Paris’ premier opera house. The dazzling domes of Grands Magasins, or department stores, changed the skyline; Art Nouveau entryways transformed the underground; and the Romano-Byzantine Sacré-Coeur breathed new life into the heart of Paris. ; Avant-Garde Art![]() Jules Chéret, “Bal du Moulin Rouge,” 1889 (Photo: Wikimedia Commons Public Domain) In fin de siècle (“end of century”) Paris, art underwent an avant-garde overhaul. Until the 1870s, most French painters clung to the traditional tastes of the Académie des Beaux-Arts. This prestigious Parisian organization held annual salons that exhibited a carefully selected collection of art. Typically, the jury favored works featuring conventional subject matter, from historic portraits to religious allegories. ;Reacting against these stifling standards, a group of artists—including Claude Monet, ;Pierre-Auguste Renoir, ;Edgar Degas, and Camille Pissarro—began working in a style characterized by unrealistic brushwork and ordinary subject matter. They held independent exhibitions, and eventually came to be known as the Impressionists. The Impressionists paved the way for other modernist movements, including color-crazy Fauvism, abstract-minded Cubism, and eclectic Post-Impressionism. In addition to painting, however, La Belle Époque saw major strides in graphic design, when Jules Chéret, the “father of the modern poster,” introduced the color lithograph. With this new technology, artists like Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Alphonse Mucha boldly immortalized the cafes, cabarets, and clubs that colored turn-of-the-century Paris. ; Notable Writers![]() Portrait of Victor Hugo (ca. 1871) (Photo: Wikimedia Commons Public Domain) During La Belle Époque, Paris became a writers’ hub. Among its most influential figures were short story pioneer Guy de Maupassant and Naturalist novelist, playwright, and journalist Émile Zola. Even Romantic writer Victor Hugo—who was raised in Paris but lived in exile from 1851—returned to the French capital in 1871 at the age of 68. While he wrote his most famous Paris-set works years earlier (The Hunchback of Notre-Dame and Les Misérables in 1831 and 1862, respectively), his lifelong work and love of Paris undoubtedly inspired writers to flee to the capital during La Belle Époque. ; The End of an Era![]() Stock Photos from Premier Photo/Shutterstock Just as military conflict sparked Paris’ Golden Age, it also extinguished it. The onset of World War I brought an abrupt end to the period of prosperity, as Paris’ recent cultural developments were overshadowed by mobilization efforts. In fact, it was during the war that La Belle Époque retroactively received its romantic name. Though the era has long since ended, its presence can still be seen and felt throughout the City of Light, illustrating the range of its influence—and Paris’ unchanging legacy. “He who contemplates the depths of Paris is seized with vertigo,” Victor Hugo wrote. “Nothing is more fantastic. Nothing is more tragic. Nothing is more sublime.” Related Articles:5 Must-See Museums in Paris (That Aren’t The Louvre or Musée d’Orsay) 5 Rock-Solid Facts About Paris’ Amazing Arc de Triomphe 6 Places in Paris Where You Can Still Experience Notre-Dame’s Medieval Magic Take a Sweet Peek Inside Paris’ Oldest Chocolate Shop The post How “La Belle Époque” Transformed Paris Into the City We Know and Love Today appeared first on My Modern Met. from https://ift.tt/2vlL1JX from https://huerednerofficial.tumblr.com/post/190742462392 ![]() British artist Amy Rose Geden adds her own twist to the romantic aesthetic of botanical prints. In each of her pieces, Geden arranges several watercolor illustrations, which include varieties of flora and fauna, as well as unique found objects such as keys and candlesticks. While some paintings may only contain pleasing arrays of flowers, others have juxtaposing motifs, like binoculars, insects, and eggs. To achieve precise naturalistic detail to her illustrations, Geden often draws from her surroundings as well as from reference books. First, each object is carefully studied in preliminary drafts. Then, the artist thoughtfully organizes her subjects into a way that is visually pleasing—often by color or genre—and starts sketching the final piece. Each original painting is made up of layers of watercolor and gouache, creating depth and realism. Geden’s unique aesthetic and keen eye for overlooked items brings a fresh approach to the art of vintage botanical prints. You can purchase originals, prints, postcards and more of Geden’s work through her Etsy shop. And, to keep up to date with the artist’s latest creations, you can follow her on Instagram. Artist Amy Rose Geden combines natural history with botanical motifs in her prints.![]() The artist takes inspiration from her surroundings as well as from found objects.![]() She paints each original piece in watercolor and sells giclee prints on her Etsy shop.
My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Amy Rose Geden.Related Articles:Incredibly Detailed Illustrations of Giant Trees With Unruly Roots Poetic Illustrations Are Delicately Cut From a Single Sheet of Paper Charming Watercolor Illustrations of Women and Their Animal Companions The post Watercolorist Creates Vintage-Style Prints of Botanicals and Tiny Specimen Collections appeared first on My Modern Met. from https://ift.tt/3boCerg from https://huerednerofficial.tumblr.com/post/190742462202 ![]() This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please read our disclosure for more info. If you love Japanese art, this recent book release from Taschen is sure to pique your interest. Titled Japanese Woodblock Prints (1680- 1983), the 622-page hardcover edition chronicles over two centuries of the one-of-a-kind art form, from breathtaking landscapes to vibrant images of mythical creatures. Taschen spent 3 years putting together the stunning collection of 200 reproduced Japanese woodblock prints from the archives of museums and private collections across the globe. It comprises the work of 89 artists in 7 chapters organized chronologically that trace the history of the age-old medium from 1680 to 1938. It also includes 17 fold-out images, a full appendix listing the artists, the titles of the woodblock prints, as well as editorial notes by author Andreas Marks, head of the Japanese and Korean Art Department at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The book covers a broad range of woodblock print masters’ subjects as well as the stories behind each motif. “We discover the four pillars of the woodblock print—beauties, actors, landscapes, and bird-and-flower compositions—alongside depictions of sumo wrestlers, kabuki actors, or enticing courtesans—rock stars who populated the ‘floating world’ and whose fan bases fueled the frenzied production of woodblock prints,” say Taschen. “We delve into the horrifying and the obscure in prints where demons, ghosts, man-eaters, and otherworldly creatures torment the living—stunning images that continue to influence Japanese manga, film, and video games to this day.” Want to add this visual history book to your collection? You can buy Japanese Woodblock Prints (1680- 1983) on the Taschen website now. This new book chronicles over two centuries of Japanese woodblock prints from 1680 to 1938.![]() ![]() It comprises 200 prints from the work of 89 woodblock masters.![]() Taschen spent 3 years sourcing each image from museums and private collections around the world.
My Modern Met granted permission to feature images by Taschen.Related Articles:The Unique History and Exquisite Aesthetic of Japan’s Ethereal Woodblock Prints 500 Japanese Woodblock Prints from Van Gogh’s Collection Are Now Available to Download 220,000+ Japanese Woodblock Prints Available Online in Growing Database How to Make Your Own Woodblock Print Like the Japanese Masters The post 200 Japanese Woodblock Prints From Over Two Centuries in One Book appeared first on My Modern Met. from https://ift.tt/2w56S99 from https://huerednerofficial.tumblr.com/post/190742462272 |
ABOUT MEHi I am Mary Villani, I love to having a fun on weekends with my friends and also intrested cooking, swiming, reading news & books, chatting with friends. |