Documentary Response 6: Disneyland Paris

Disneyland was a culturally enriching experience, especially as an American who can compare and contrast the differences between my culture and this culture that I have been living in for the past month. 

First, the castle was absolutely breath taking.  It was larger than life, and representative of Disney. However, it did contain some elements of Gothic architecture.  On the side, there were flying buttresses for outside reinforcement for the castle.  Additionally, there were multiple pinnacles on the top of the castle which are typically used for decoration; pinnacles are also typically paired with flying buttresses in Gothic architecture.  On the front of the castle, there is a rounded window with stained glass, which is very representative of Gothic architecture.  Although the castle contained many elements of Gothic architecture, pink was not typically a color used in the Gothic period. 

Disneyland Paris appeals to Europeans and Parisians for a variety of reasons.  One has to consider the globalization of the world, in that, different aspects of one culture are shared my many different cultures around the world.  Applying this to Disney, Europeans are just as influenced as Americans are; they know the characters, the songs, the movies, and more.  As I was walking from the park to Hollywood Studios, there was a parade in which Elsa and Anna made their way through as  "Let it Go" played with a French voice over.  When "Frozen" was released in America, it took the nation by storm, and it is obvious the French experienced this as well.  Essentially, Disney appeals to Europeans because they have connected to the stories, just as Americans have. 

Disneyland Paris, though based on the same premise, does differ from Disney World in America, but there are also many similarities.  Disneyland consisted of the same characters, rides, and souvenirs that would be present in America.  Additionally, most of the food was American food such as hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, and hot dogs.  The major difference between Paris and American Disney is the prevalence of smoking and drinking throughout the park.  Smoking is a huge portion of the culture in Paris, and this was carried through to Disneyland.  In Disney World in Florida, alcohol is not allowed, but it was fairly easy to locate alcohol in Disneyland.  The other difference at Disneyland was the French voice overs; it was interesting to hear the different voices, but it is completely normal for the French. 

Picture Theme 5: Graffiti and Street Art

Graffiti in the Catacombs

Graffiti in a Metro station 

"I love you" wall as "Street Art"

Bumblebee on a wall 

Graffiti in an RER Station 

Documentary Response 5

Impressionism was an art movement during a very short amount of time in the 1800s, from only 1865 until 1885.  The movement can be categorized by light, especially how people perceive and respond to different levels of light.  Specifically, impressionist artists strived to capture natural, outdoor light as opposed to artificial light.  In addition, the impressionist movement was unique because artists focused on everyday, normal life.  Prior to the movement, artists would paint supernatural and magnificent images such as Greek gods and goddesses, as well as Biblical stories.  Even though the movement was short, it had a lasting impact on art today. 

Pierre Auguste Renoir, Maternity, 1885, Oil on Canvas 

Pierre Auguste Renoir painted this in reaction to being a new father, as it shows his wife (Aline) breast feeding their first son (Pierre).  It is unique as it brings a fresh perspective on being a father. Additionally, Renoir painted this during his "Ingresque" or "dry" period, which was characterized by more precise edges, smoother lines, and more traditional painting techniques; Renoir practiced this style of painting from 1883 to 1890. 

I like this painting because of the relevance it has in today's society.  As of late, there has been debate regarding breast feeding in public, and this painting just expresses breast feeding as it is without controversy.  

Edgar Degas, In a Cafe, 1873, Oil on Canvas 

In a Cafe, also known as Absinthe, is a painting be Degas that is mean to evoke emotions regarding alcoholism.  A man and woman sit alone in a cafe with a glass of absinthe, and their facial expressions show their depression.  Alcohol can be a fun adventure, but in this picture, it is a sad and desolate road.  

Vincent Van Gogh, Self-Portrait, 1889, Oil on Canvas 

This painting is just one of over 40 self portraits that Vincent Van Gogh painted of himself.  Van Gogh's purpose was to be introspective and to reflect on himself.  The painting itself shows Vincent Van Gogh in a suit, with what he considered to be a basic background. 

Paul Signac, Entrance to the Port of La Rochelle, 1921, Oil on Canvas 

Paul Signac, along with Georges Seurat, fathered a movement within Impressionism called Pointillism, which was a technique in which small dots and small brush strokes are used to create an image.  

This image shows a boat off of the coast of La Rochelle in France.  From afar, the painting is very impressive, but upon closer inspection it is more impressive due to the creative techniques used to create the image.  

Vincent Van Gogh, In the Garden of Dr. Paul Gachet, 1890, Oil on Canvas

Vincent Van Gogh painted this along with Marguerite Gachet in Gardens as a small series of paintings.  During this period in his life, Van Gogh was wildly fascinated with gardens.  This particular painting was modeled off of the gardens of his physician, Dr. Paul Gachet.  

Originally, this painting was housed at the Louvre in Paris, but due to overcrowding it was moved to the Musee d'Orsay where it stays to this day.

Images retrieved from: 

http://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/collections/works-in-focus/painting/commentaire_id/maternity-10799.htmltx_commentaire_pi1%5BpidLi%5D=509&tx_commentaire_pi1%5Bfrom%5D=841&cHash=905cb0f1aa

http://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/collections/works-in-focus/painting/commentaire_id/in-a-cafe-2234.html?cHash=a4a48aea1e&print=1&

http://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/collections/works-in-focus/painting/commentaire_id/self-portrait-2990.html?cHash=a873609651

http://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/collections/index-of-works/notice.html?no_cache=1&zsz=5&lnum=13

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_Gachet%27s_Garden_in_Auvers

Picture Theme 4: Transportation

Plane ride on the way to Paris, France 

Carousel near the Eiffel Tower 

Horses as a method of transportation 

A monkey riding a goat in Versailles 

Elevator at Cité

Documentary Response 4

The Baroque Period describes an art movement during the 17th century that is characterized by ornamentation, movement, drama, emotion, and light.  Each country had it's own version of Baroque, but Europe as a whole experienced this artistic movement.



Judith Decapitating Holofernes, Artemisia Gentileschi, 1620, Oil on Canvas, Florence

Artemisia Gentileschi, an Italian Baroque painter, brought a new perspective to the Baroque movement due to her unique experiences as a woman.  In this particular painting, Judith Decapitating Holofornes (also known as Judith Slaying Holofornes), Gentileschi depicts a popular Old Testament story.  The story has been portrayed by many Renaissance and Baroque painters, but Gentileschi brings a new perspective.  When Gentilischi was being trained as a painter, her mentor repeatedly raped her, which she uses as inspiration in this painting. 

This piece is unique because it is portrayed by a female artist.  No one understands women better than women, and this is reflected in the painting.  As such, it is considered to be a part of an art movement referred to as the "Power of Women".  Judith and her maidservant are fully engrossed in the task at hand, which is not fully expressed in other paintings.  The piece expresses Baroque by using light to bring attention to the splattering blood and the sword; movement is also evident by the passion in Judith's actions.




Judith and her Maidservant with the Head of Holofernes, Artemisia Gentileschi, 1625, Oil on Canvas, Detroit Institute of Art

Judith and her Maidservant with the Head of Holofernes by Artemisia Gentileschi reflects Italian style Baroque.  As with the painting above, it is based off of an Old Testament Biblical story that Gentileschi used to express her own story of rape.  This painting was meant to be viewed after seeing Judith Decapitating Holofernes, as to go with the flow of the story.

The painting reflects Baroque by using different levels of light to bring attention to the most important parts of the painting, as well as deflecting attention from the less important components. Additionally, the viewer can see the tension and emotion expressed in this painting.



Arrival of Marie de' Medici at Marseilles, Peter Paul Rubens, 1622-1625, Oil on Canvas, Paris

Arrival of Marie de' Medici, also known as The Disembarkation at Marseilles, by Peter Paul Rubens is one of 24 paintings commissioned by Marie de' Medici after she married Henry IV of France.  The paintings were meant to recount the tales of her life, and to share with the common people.  These paintings do not fall into one particular style of Baroque because Rubens used many different styles from many different countries.

One of the most important components of the painting is the incorporation of Poseidon and his daughters escorting Marie de' Medici to France.  The purpose is to show how important she was, that a god escorted her boat to France.  Additionally, light and tension are also used in this painting.



Louis XIV, Hyacinthe Rigaud, 1701, Oil on Canvas, Paris 

This portrait of Louis XIV reflects French style Baroque.  It was commissioned by Louis himself, and painted by Hyacinthe Rigaud, who was a known royal painter.  The portrait was originally meant to be a gift for another member of royalty.  However, Louis XIV loved the painting so much that he kept the original for himself.  He also had Rigaud create copies of the portrait, one of which is hanging at Versailles.

This portrait is one of my favorites because of the extravagant garb that royalty would wear, as well as the amount of time Louis XIV would stand with the fashion in order to have the painting finished. The clothes particularly reflect Baroque style because of the severe ornamentation.



Versailles, Renovated by Louis XIV, begun in 1669, Paris, France

The palace of Versailles was originally a hunting lodge, but Louis XIV had it renovated and restored to become the new palace for monarchy.  It reflects French Baroque particularly by the extravagant ornamentation.  The outside gates, alone, are quite decorative with the gold accents.  

Additionally, the Hall of Mirrors reflected Baroque style ornamentation.  During Louis XIV's reign, mirrors were quite a luxury; therefore, they were used in excess to show the wealth and power of the monarch.  Continuing with the theme, the continuous arches down the hall show the grandeur of the palace.  Overall, the palace reflected drama and extravagance of the Baroque style with it's 700 rooms, 2,000 acre garden, and outside ornamentation.

Picture Theme 3: Fashion

Documentary Response 3

Saint Denis was absolutely incredible.  To have the opportunity to walk around in a cathedral that was built in the 12th century is something that I will never forget.  In America, there is nothing like this; I feel like I truly experienced a huge piece of history.

This is an example of a groin vault at Saint Denis.  A groin vault is two barrel vaults intersected at one point; the purpose is to push the weight to the outer structure.  This concept was very prominent in Gothic cathedrals because the weight was shifted from the center to the outer corners of the groin vault, which allowed for a more opened bay in cathedrals.  

This style of architecture differed from previous cathedrals and buildings because groin vaults were sturdier, less expensive to build, and created more open spaces (bays) when compared to barrel vaults that were previously used. 

This is an example of ribs at Saint Denis.  Ribs are used when a pointed arch and vault arc up to a point, similar to a groin vault; the ribs provide stability for the structure of the cathedral.  Because the groin vault was prominent in Gothic architecture, ribs were also an important component of the Gothic style.  They primarily serve the same purpose as a groin vault: to create a more open bay in the main area of the cathedral. 

This is the organ at Saint Denis.  The groin vault is also visible in this picture. 

Rose Window, Saint Denis, Abbot Suger, 1140

Memorial Statues of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI, Edme Gaulle and Pierre Petitot (commissioned by Louis XVIII), 1830, Marble 

These stained glass windows at Saint Denis represent the restoration of the 12th century cathedral.  Although restoration can be controversial, I truly believe that it is the intention to maintain the integrity of the Gothic style cathedral.