Royal Gardens of Paris with Marie Dessaillen
Regular price $36.50 Save $-36.50
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 We will put those gardens back into their original contexts using historical documents (paintings, tapestries, engravings).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 public 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.
Very engaging look into the Paris gardens including point of view and perspectives, very engaging.
As always, Marie's classes are a wonderful experience no matter the topic. This class was especially great because she included pictures and videos of the gardens today, along with an in-depth historical perspective of each of the gardens. What a delightful escape!
Once again, Marie has delivered an outstanding seminar. I learned so much about the history of the great French gardens, the many facets of social history and fashion that influenced their designs, how gardens evolved as those influences changed over the centuries, and what these gardens have become today. The insights I gained from Marie's talk will enhance my next visit to Paris immeasurably. The entire seminar was delightful. Marie is so knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and has a natural vivacity and ease as she speaks. Her presentation is lively, beautifully organized and well-paced; I recommend it highly. You will not be disappointed!
Marie was an incredibly interesting speaker with great energy and a vast amount of knowledge on the subject of French history and landscape. I can't wait to take another class with her !