Musée d'Orsay, Paris Top Attraction
Impressionist Paintings, 19th Century Sculptures, Early Photography
Apr 9, 2009
The Musée d’Orsay opened in 1986 in a 1900 disused railway station at the heart of Paris.
Set on the left bank of the Seine, it is a work of art in its own right, highlighting the skill of architects who successfully adapted the original design to the museum’s light and space requirements. The splendid glass awning is now the entrance and the main hall the central walkway.
The first collections came from the museums of Le Louvre, Jeu de Paume and Modern Arts, later enriched by purchases and gifts.
Averaging three million visitors a year, the Musée d’Orsay is one of Paris top attractions, busiest in the summer months. A Museum Paris Pass, bought online or from participating venues, allows priority access.
Musée d’Orsay, Impressionist Paintings, Monet and Related Works
The Musée d’Orsay has an impressive collection highlighting the development of impressionism. Among the most important works are over 20 impressionist paintings by Monet, including all time favourites, such as Blue Water Lilies, Poppy Field, Regatta at Argenteuil and London Houses of Parliament. Others include Renoir’s Bathers and Dance at the Moulin de la Galette and Pissaro’s White Frost and Seine and Louvre.
Also on display are paintings by Manet, Breton and Degas. The post-impressionist period is represented by Cézanne, Van Gogh, Gauguin and Toulouse-Lautrec.
Musée d’Orsay, Sculptures, Decorative Arts
The Musée d’Orsay sculptures include the Good Samaritan by Bartholdi, a surprisingly small work for the Statue of Liberty’s sculptor, a Small Dancer and a Standing Horse by Degas and works by Rodin such as Winter, Sower and Gates of Hell. Most delightful is Gauguin’s Tahitian woman sculpted from a single piece of lime wood, seen from the back and titled Be Mysterious.
Decorative Arts range from furniture to ornamental and useful objects. French Art Nouveau is in evidence with works by Gallé and Majorelle and delicate glass pieces by the Daum brothers. Also on show is a vase by Louis Comfort Tiffany, son of New York Tiffany & co founder.
Musée d’Orsay, Early Photography
Orsay was the first fine arts museum in France to devote space to photography. The aim was to record the development of the art, source original prints and highlight the early links with English photography. Examples of this golden age of French and English photography include Brig by Moonlight and View of Moissac Cloister by leader of the French school, Le Gray.
Numerous gifts have enriched the collection and a large number of prints was acquired from the family of American photographer Burty-Haviland. Recent additions include Forest Stream by Le Secq and a 500 strong collection which had belonged to painter Edmond Lebel.
 |
