History of Art Outing to Paris

Year 12 History of Art students enjoyed a beautiful sunny day in the Art Capital of the 19th Century – Paris. The first stop on the tour was the Louvre, where they observed, first hand, many of the artworks that they have been studying throughout the year. It was both wonderful and satisfying to see that – among the many famous and glorious paintings that cover the museum’s walls – their excitement and appreciation grew when they came across Eugène Delacroix’s self-portrait (1837). Seeing the sparkle in their eyes and their enthusiasm every time they saw an artwork they recognised, calling each other from opposite sides of the room while pointing excitedly to it, filled my heart with joy and satisfaction. Following a welcome lunch in the gardens of the Musée Rodin, the group moved on to the paintings and sculptures of Auguste Rodin, being especially mesmerised by The Kiss (1882). It was fascinating to see them move around this sculpture, observing it from every angle and perspective possible. For me, one of the greatest accomplishments of the day was for them to finally comprehend the omnipresent “translucid property of marble” that has featured in so many of our lessons.

Ms d’Antonio
Teacher of History of Ar