Next we moved across the street to the Pantheon, which was pretty cool. I had not remembered the building itself, but as soon as I saw the giant pendulum clock in the middle, I remembered being there. Being the scaredy-cat that I am, I chose not to go up to the cupola of the dome with my classmates, and my professor was ok with me learning about the pendulum instead and explaining it to the class. I wonder if you could make a smaller version that could actually function as a clock in a home....hmm. The "frescoes", which in France are actually painted linen, not real fresco, that are on each wall of the Pantheon were really awesome once explained. We learned all about how it was actually the public who were a part of what artists received the commissions, and that it shows the rise of the individual and bourgeoisie class which led to the end of the French monarchy. How crazy is it that frescoes that you might not really give much thought to past their content are indicative of such important history! I love how art history relates just about every field to each other.
Next we went to the Luxembourg gardens, and they definitely lived up to their reputation. They were beautiful! We sat on a lunch break all together with our sandwiches or crepes in the shade overlooking this gorgeous fountain. There we discussed the readings from Friday and today, and a really good discussion going about gender roles in historical painting and specifically, the famous Liberty on the Barricades by Delacroix and Sabine Women by David, juxtaposed with such paintings as The Death of Sardanapalus by Delacroix, etc. Our new professor is more intense and is really great about keeping things interesting and making sure we are actively involved in what we're learning. I hope we have discussions pretty often from now on! Relaxing in Luxembourg gardens while talking might have made it a little better too. Nice touch, Professor.
Lastly, we visited a church just down the block from the gardens, and there we looked at frescoes by Delacroix that were mythologically and religiously themed. Unfortunately my prof forgot the headset for our ear pieces today, and she had to whisper in the church so I only caught about half of what she was saying. Still, the paintings were impressive, and indeed much more legible now that I have seen so much of Delacroix's other work. All in all, a day of a lot of learning and interest. My professor also seems pretty laid back, too, which helps everyone relax. I'm really starting to want to sign up for whatever class she's teaching the Fall Semester. Gotta work on my schedule when I get home!
In non-class news, I tried for the first time today a Citron crepe because of a recommendation from my prof. When I saw the guy pour a ton of lemon juice on the crepe and then cover it in suger I was worried, I must admit. But it was truly one of the best crepes I've ever had! The combo worked really well, so it's definitely a recommendation for any who go to Paris in the future. Also, this weekend I bought the cutest little teddy bear. Before you laugh, he is from the National Monuments Center and has all over him profiles of famous architectural monuments worldwide in various colors. Since I haven't recharged the camera since it died yesterday, I have no photos from today's activities, so I post a photo of my new bear. Although, I need help with an appropriate name, please! Suggestions are always welcome, just leave a comment. :)
Okie dokie, I've had my pasta dinner and need to go do journals, since I really did give myself the weekend off. I'm half-way through a book about Mary Tudor, so maybe after the journals I'll read more. Gotta love classes that make you want to read, not hate reading more! I wish everyone a good day.
Also, since I've heard she's been enjoying reading this blog, I'd like to give a shout-out to my awesome Grandma K-berg! Hope you're feeling better, and I love you!
Bonsoir!
Oh, and happy 4th of July yesterday!
