Siragusa Tours Ltd

Description

From the beginning of the modern movement in art, in the mid-nineteenth century, Paris has occupied a special place. From around 1850, through the rest of the century and on into the early years of the twentieth century, Paris was the unchallenged capital of modern art, eventually acting as a magnet for artists from elsewhere who wanted to experience the cutting edge of the avant-garde. The Spaniard Picasso is only the best-known. Others included the Romanian Brancusi, the Dutchman Mondrian, and before them, Americans such as Whistler, Eakins and Mary Cassatt, not to mention the most adventurous British artists. Almost all the key movements of early modern art originated in Paris: Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Symbolism, the Nabis, the Fauves, and above all Cubism. Subsequently, other centres emerged, notably Munich, Berlin and Moscow. But in the 1920s political events conspired to crush the avant-garde in Germany and Russia, and reinforced the position of Paris at the forefront of the international modern movement. Even after the Second World War, when Paris was for a time eclipsed on the international scene by New York, French cultural ambition sought to redress the balance. The outcome of this was the creation of some of the most important museums in the world. As well as the expansion of the traditional Louvre, several major museums were devoted to the art of the avant-garde. Principal among these are the Museé d’Orsay, devoted to the nineteenth century, and the Pompidou Centre, or Beaubourg, devoted to the modernism, as well as the ‘postmodernism’, of the twentieth. (Paul Wood)

Other Details

Accommodation

Centrally located 3-star hotel, bed and breakfast basis in twin-share room with private facilities.

Course Cost

£545, inclusive of tuition, Eurostar, hotel transfers, accommodation and breakfast

Single Room Supplement

£125

Travel

Eurostar from St Pancras International London to Gare du Nord Paris.

Local Transport

Transfer from Gare du Nord to Hotel by metro or taxi

Group Size

16

Tutor

Jackie Parry MA, is an experienced lecturer and art historian who has led many gallery visits and study tours. She teaches art history at the University of Sussex and the Open University. She has also lectured for NADFAS, the U3A and the National Trust. Her interests are mostly based around 18th century art and culture and the development of modernism from 19th century to the present. Her MA research included issues of gender and critical theory.

Related OU Courses

General Interest/AA316/A216

Itinerary / Study Programme

Day 1, Friday, 16 November 2012

Arrival in Paris, transfer to hotel, orientation and Louvre

Day 2, Saturday 17 November 2012

Am & Pm Musée d’Orsay

Day 3, Sunday 18 November 2012

Am Musée Picasso, Pm Beaubourg (Pompidou Centre)

Day 4, Monday 19 November 2012

Am Orangerie, Pm free until departure

This itinerary and study programme is provisional and may be subject to change in response to local conditions