Royal Gardens of Paris with Marie Dessaillen
Learn with Marie Dessaillen

Royal Gardens of Paris with Marie Dessaillen

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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

It is impossible to stay away from Paris' colorful and perfectly designed gardens. The favorite pastime of Parisians and tourists alike is lazing on a sunny afternoon in the Jardin du Luxembourg. However, there is more than meets the eye to these manicured lawns. Political symbolism has infused the creation of gardens since the Renaissance, and as those in power changed, so did the message and structure of their gardens.
Led by historian and art historian Marie Dessaillen, this interactive discussion will delve into the many layers of secrets of the Jardin des Tuileries, demonstrate the perfect mastery of nature by man in the Jardin du Palais Royal, and explore how visitors even breathed differently as they strolled over the bridges and down the winding paths of the Parc Monceau. Gardens used to systematically accompany a building: a king's palace, an aristocratic house, places that have unfortunately sometimes disappeared. We will put those gardens back into their original contexts using historical documents (paintings, tapestries, engravings).
Finally, we will study the metamorphosis of private gardens into parks after the French Revolution. In the 19th century urban planning that gave Paris its iconic esthetic, the democratization of leisure and the pleasure of nature replaced the complex symbolism originally created for the aristocratic elites - and these scenes of leisure soon became a favorite subject among the Impressionists.

The daughter of a sculptor, Marie has been surrounded by art ever since she was born. A native Parisienne, she holds an undergraduate degree in history and art history, with a specialty in iconography and French and Flemish paintings from the 16th to the 18th centuries. She also holds a Master's degree in museology from the Ecole du Louvre and one in Art History from the Sorbonne.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 35 reviews
94%
(33)
3%
(1)
3%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
C
C.C. (Boardman, US)
Rich in details and history, yet engaging

This is my second Context experience with Marie Dessaillen and I am a total fan. She goes into history with the thoroughness of a professor, balanced with side notes, personal comments and a bit of humor and trivia to keep you engaged. She is very knowledgeable in Paris history and gardens. Can't wait to hear more.

S
S.C. (Narberth, US)
Outstanding presentation

Marie is extraordinarily knowledgeable about gardens and history. This is the best presentation I’ve heard.

B
B.K. (San Antonio, US)
Wonderful experience

Delighted to visit Paris, even if only virtual

M
Mac (Albany, US)
Marie is incredibly knowledgeable

Marie gave my wife and me, my son and his wife and their two daughters, a Kids Tour of the Louvre during our vacation in Paris. Everybody loved the tour. While staying in Paris, we rented an apartment in the Palais Royal, a place she talked about in the Royal Gardens of Paris session. Our granddaughters where thrilled to see Marie again. The session was was wonderful. Marie's descriptions of these places, of works of art and sculptures, were wonderful. Her knowledge and insights made incredible places and incredible works of art even more amazing.

A
A. (Kirkland, US)
Positive feedback about Marie.

Marie is a great teacher. She is very knowledgeable about the history and gardens of France. I appreciate her candid comments as well as her factual information.

123
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Customer Reviews

Based on 35 reviews
94%
(33)
3%
(1)
3%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
C
C.C. (Boardman, US)
Rich in details and history, yet engaging

This is my second Context experience with Marie Dessaillen and I am a total fan. She goes into history with the thoroughness of a professor, balanced with side notes, personal comments and a bit of humor and trivia to keep you engaged. She is very knowledgeable in Paris history and gardens. Can't wait to hear more.

S
S.C. (Narberth, US)
Outstanding presentation

Marie is extraordinarily knowledgeable about gardens and history. This is the best presentation I’ve heard.

B
B.K. (San Antonio, US)
Wonderful experience

Delighted to visit Paris, even if only virtual

M
Mac (Albany, US)
Marie is incredibly knowledgeable

Marie gave my wife and me, my son and his wife and their two daughters, a Kids Tour of the Louvre during our vacation in Paris. Everybody loved the tour. While staying in Paris, we rented an apartment in the Palais Royal, a place she talked about in the Royal Gardens of Paris session. Our granddaughters where thrilled to see Marie again. The session was was wonderful. Marie's descriptions of these places, of works of art and sculptures, were wonderful. Her knowledge and insights made incredible places and incredible works of art even more amazing.

A
A. (Kirkland, US)
Positive feedback about Marie.

Marie is a great teacher. She is very knowledgeable about the history and gardens of France. I appreciate her candid comments as well as her factual information.

123