2015.05.09 Musee de L'Orangerie (Paris, France)

We are living in a post-Charlie Hebdo world.

Security in Paris has significantly increased since my last visit. Security checks are now standard at all museums and tourist sites. And heavily-equipped military teams can be seen surveying the grounds around the major attractions.

I don't know if I feel safer, but definitely a little unsettled.

L'Orangerie

Home of Monet's famous water lilies murals. Although he produced hundreds of paintings with water lilies as the subject, the murals were especially commissioned for the museum. Monet also had input on how the paintings were to be displayed and illuminated.

The museum wasn't too crowded but it was still somewhat difficult securing a spot on the oval bench in the middle of each room, where the paintings can be best appreciated.

The paintings were wonderful. Looking at Monet's work was like focusing a microscope. Too close, all you see are blurs of brushstrokes. As you move back, suddenly the image focuses and there they are, water lilies.

The eight murals of the Water Lily series are as follows:

1) The Two Willows
2) Clear Morning with Willows
3) Morning with "Weeping Willow"
4) Reflections of Trees
5) Green Reflections
6) Morning
7) Clouds
8) Sunset

The paintings are positioned so that as you move through the rooms, there is a gradual shift from sunrise to sunset.

Aside from the famous Water Lilies, the Jean Walter & Paul Guillaume collection can be found at the lower level. Below are some of my favourites from the collection.

Red Boats, Argenteuil by Claude Monet

Portrait of Mademoiselle Chanel by Marie Laurencin; Young Apprentice by Amedeo Modigliani

And right outside the L'Orangerie was The Kiss by Rodin.

L'Orangerie is definitely worth a visit if you have the Paris Museum Pass. The museum is small but a great stop. Rest your legs, relax a little and enjoy the water lilies. After all, that's how Monet intended it to be. 

"Nerves strained by work would relax in its presence, following the restful example of its stagnant waters, and for he who would live in it, this room would offer a refuge for peaceful meditation in the midst of a flowering aquarium."