While in France: October 2019

This spring I had the opportunity of visiting some of France’s most iconic art galleries, immersing myself in the world of timeless masterpieces and cultural treasures.

Musée National Picasso, Paris

My visit began at the Musée National Picasso, a museum dedicated to one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, Pablo Picasso. It was fascinating to explore the extensive collection, which features Picasso's paintings, sculptures, and sketches that highlight the different phases of his prolific career, including his Blue and Rose periods and his groundbreaking Cubist works.

The Louvre Museum

The Louvre was another unforgettable highlight. Walking through the halls of this world-renowned museum, I had the chance to see the famous Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci. Despite the crowds, witnessing this enigmatic masterpiece in person was incredible.

However, what stood out just as much was the museum's Egyptian collection. The intricate artifacts and statues, including sarcophagi, mummies, and ancient hieroglyphics, were mesmerizing. Some noteworthy pieces I saw (or could have seen) include:

• The Seated Scribe: An incredibly lifelike sculpture from ancient Egypt, known for its striking eyes made of inlaid crystal.

• The Great Sphinx of Tanis: A colossal granite sphinx dating back to the 26th century BC.

• The Sarcophagus of Ramesses III: A beautifully preserved example of Egyptian burial art.

Reflections

These visits were a profound reminder of the enduring power of art across cultures and centuries. The contrast between Picasso’s modernist innovations and the ancient Egyptian artifacts was striking, emphasizing the universality of artistic expression.

France's rich cultural heritage left a lasting impact on me, and I look forward to incorporating some of the inspiration I found there into my creative work.