Greetings from the Red Cardinal Garden of Neglect...
which has performed admirably during our long absence and a torrid heatwave, with the help of kind neighbours and Mr Mower Man...
When I studied Art History, an artist who really appealed to me was Paul Cezanne [1836-1906], Post-Impressionist and forerunner of Cubism.
One of my lecturers was particularly fond of the breakthrough painting 'Still Life with Plaster Cast' 1895. You can read about it here http://www.artandarchitecture.org.uk/stories/cumming_cezanne/cumming_cezanne04.html
| Google Image 'Still Life with Plaster Cast', Paul Cezanne |
Just north of the Old Town in Aix-en-Provence is his former home with upstairs studio, which remain much as Cezanne left them. His coat hangs on the wall, along with his easel, an unfinished picture still in position, and simple objects that featured in his portraits: the ginger jar, fruit bowl, and of course the cupid.
Cezanne frequently walked a short distance up the hill to his vantage point for the spectacular views of Montagne Saint-Victoire, one of his favourite painting subjects.
To keep us well-informed there were copies of the most famous of these paintings, which are held in Art Museums in many parts of the world.
| Paul Cezanne 'Mont Sainte-Victoire' |
Dear Reader, I was unbelievably thrilled by this particular Art Pilgrimage...
By way of an intermission, our agapanthus have begun to bloom...
In the countryside surrounding Aix-en-Provence we enjoyed a day at the Chateau La Coste winery. This estate combines fine food and wine, contemporary art and architecture, and beautiful vineyards.
In addition to the vineyards, a central pavilion designed by architect Tadao Ando contains an Art Centre, restaurant, and bookshop, with adjacent vast infinity pool of water..
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| Alexander Calder: 'Small Crinkly' 1976 |
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| Louise Bourgeois 'Crouching Spider' 2003 |
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| Larry Neufeld 'Donegal' 2013 |
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| Tom Shannon 'Drop' 2009 |
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| Sean Scully 'Wall of Light Cubed' 2007 |
Lunch was a delicious and elegant affair..
The many sculptures were displayed among the vineyards, making a beautiful walking tour before lunch and wine tasting a must...
It was another of the major highlights of our tour in Provence..
In other news, Jacaranda season arrived while we were away, and our tree has finally gotten the message and begun to bloom...
Our Sunday treat this week was the Ron Howard documentary movie 'Pavarotti' about the legendary Italian tenor.
If you love opera, you will probably love it... as we did.
One of the greatest tenor voices of the 20th century, he appears to have been a lovely, generous, hard-working and charismatic man.
Sadly, he passed away at the early age of 71.
It was wonderful to see and hear those magical arias once again...
XXXX
Hi Trish wow what a great post,I found it very interesting what wonderful things you got to see Thankyou for sharing them with us,great pics xx
ReplyDeleteHi Sheryl, it is fun going through the photos and re-living our trip. Glad you enjoyed. xx
ReplyDeleteAnother wonderful post Trish. It is amazing to feel as if the artist just stepped out of his studio for a moment. Your garden of neglect has managed beautifully lol! Mine is known as that too! Throughly enjoyed your wanderings xx
ReplyDeleteThank you Michelle. I loved that feeling in the studio. We saw three of them on the tour, and it was magical. Trying to decide whether to do Van Gogh, or flick right over to Canada next, lol. xxx
DeletePatricia, I lived in Aix-en-Provence for about 6 months in 1985. This post brought back so many memories. Thank you so much. Glad you had a great trip.
ReplyDeleteDarla, how fantastic that must have been! Six months would be such a good way to enjoy all that the region offers. Every corner you turn, there is another gem to see. I am so pleased to bring back the memories for you.
DeleteCezanne's studio looks as if he simply popped out for a few moments, perhaps to take in the view for inspiration or enjoy a glass of wine, and he is just about to return.
ReplyDeleteAll of that wonderful art, sculpture, good wine, and food must have made for a really great art lovers trip.
The studio is so beautifully preserved, that is indeed how it feels. I was so pleased the family were able to do this. The trip was our best ever, far more art and music than I could blog about!
DeleteOh, that red flower in your garden made me smile BIG, Patricia. It's so pretty. I didn't know you studied Art History - well, that explains why you often have interesting art pieces on your blog. ; ) Thanks for sharing a bit of your favorite artist and his home. What a wonderful day at the winery. The vineyards are always beautiful this time of year, and one of my favorite places to visit. That spider crouching near the water is very cool. I love that charming bridge. Your lunch looks so Yummy. And a sweet picture of you and husband.
ReplyDeleteWishing you delightful November days, Patricia.
~Sheri
Hi Sheri, yes, I did my degree in Art History, and I work as a guide at the Queensland Art Gallery. This trip was so perfect for me and us. I loved the charming bridge too, and at first did not realise it was an art piece, it fits so well into the landscape. Happy Autumn days to you too Sheri.
DeleteI adore this post, I mean it! Your photos with art, flowers and architecture, just perfect for me! And we have have a photo of you and your husband, looking very happy. Great! Art history, I do not have a degree but I crave to know more!
ReplyDeleteHi Kay, so glad you enjoyed it. We were so happy and enjoyed it so much. It was not overcrowded at any of the locations, which adds to the pleasures of the artistic wonders.
DeleteHi Trish, those grapes look lucious, the flowers beautiful and you and Mr. C lovely and rested. How truly interesting to see a bit of what the impressionist painters used as models to paint their landscapes too!
ReplyDeleteHi Debra, it was a great trip - seeing where the impressionists worked and lived was a thrill of a lifetime!
DeleteSorry I am late to the party Patricia...
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous trip you 2 had...bravo!!
Cheers!
Linda :o)
Hi Linda, it sure was fabulous. Canada was good too :))
DeleteI have never been able to relate to Cezanne and feel bad about it but I still think I'd have liked to visit. Chateau La Coste winery looks great - they must be wealthy to have the Tadeo Ando building. I really loved the one we saw in Akita, Japan, and the other art works looked terrific too. The meal is a work of art itself! Wonderful to read about this trip.
ReplyDeleteDo not feel bad about Cezanne! His attraction is more about his place in the scheme of Art History :)
DeleteChateau La Coste is the best place, hope you see it one day. Where the money comes from I don't know, but that building was fantastic. There is also an art gallery on the site, and as it is far away in the countryside I was fascinated about the economics of the whole set up. Glad you enjoyed reading about it.
Hellooooo Dearest Trish!!
ReplyDeleteSorry it's been so long since I've popped in to say hello. I've been catching up on your wonderful posts, fascinating journeys and beautiful photos. I love getting the chance to "travel with you". Not only is it fun to see where you've been and seen, but these posts are always informative.
But especially loved the pic of you and hubby - such cuties! 😉
Thanks for sharing your journeys dear Friend. Blessings on the rest of your week. 🙏 ❤️
Hi there dear Carrie. Glad you enjoy the travel posts; it was a fantastic holiday. I need to post a bit more, but have been somewhat distracted. We like that photo of us together - it was the best one on the trip. Such a great memento of a beautiful place. Blessings to you too.
Deleteconsider adjusting your approach. Just because lots of places aren't many jobs doesn't mean you should give up.
ReplyDeleteYou may consider going to another area, but make sure that you can afford the commute if you get hired.
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