Musee Gustave Moreau

 We were lucky enough to get a reservation at Le Bon Georges, which specializes in farm to table meats.  After a glorious (but not very photogenic) meal of rosemary roasted lamb, we had to indulge in the Delice Chocolate above (a deeply delicious chocolate mousse) and the strawberries and cream below. 

 Nearby was the Musee Gustave Moreau which we had tried to visit a couple of times before, but it had been partially closed for renovations.  Now it was open, and featuring a Rouault exhibit, soon to close.  We were interested in Moreau since we had just visited the Petit Palais and an exhibit of works by Desvaillieres, a student of Moreau.  (Sadly, no photos permitted at the Petit Palais expo.) As things happen, seemingly synergistically, we began to see his referenced as a teacher for many artists whose works we were seeing.  Desvaillieres' work was deeply symbolic after he was "born again"; we were much more appreciative of his non-religious works. 

Moreau's studio featured many large canvases with intricate drawings. He was a master of the symbolic.  We admired the technique, but the subject matter was too histrionic for us.  

 The Rouault exhibit was small, and somewhat disappointing, but we could see the influence of the instructor on the pupil, and also why Moreau was unhappy with the direction taken by Rouault. 

 I always like to see the homes of people, including artists.  There were a few rooms left as Moreau had lived in them. 

 This was an unusual object in our experience, containing over a dozen stuffed hummingbird and creepers. 

And now.....some views from our Parisian windows

 This must be the Fondation Louis Vuitton. 

Madame at her twinkliest

 Playing with pigeons in perspective

And now, off to Lyon! 

De Young Exhibits -- Oscar de la Renta and Hawaiian feathers

The de la Renta show was a disappointment.  We have seen a number of shows of iconic fashion, Yves St. Laurent and Lanvin come to mind.  Every item was a work of art, not a pucker or a pull anywhere.  And the designs, even though now well known to us, were recognizable as ground-breaking and fresh and even revolutionary for their time.  

These garments were ordinary, with lots of what appeared to be poor workmanship, sometimes downright tacky.  A few were creations that began a whole pahse of fashion, like the heavily beaded, embellished necklines, and the beaded tops on plain silk skirts.  But most were just of their time, "Dallas" gone overboard. 

 

 The bodice of the dress below was made of silvery bird feathers, many cut to shape. 

 This one, worn  by Sarah Jessica Parker at a celebration for de la Renta, shows the puckers and bad seaming of the dress.  A lovely idea and bold design, but poorly executed.
 

 From Oscar we went to see feathers, a show of Hawaiian feather art.  These were garments worn by traditionally by royalty and the nobility. 

 Magnificent capes. 

 A more contemporary vest designed for western tastes. 

 These helmets were actually worn to protect the wearer in battle. 

 This was unlike anything we have seen before -- a coat made from the breasts of mures. 

 And another first: feathers twisted together used as money. 

Maui No Ka Oi

 We took a bonus trip to Maui to visit with Bill and Cindy, celebrating (almost) their 50th wedding anniversary.  Our evening st Spago's was memorable not for the view or the food, but by good company sharing not one, not two but three tables as we sough refuse from the wind and rain. 

 Of course we saw Ginny and Alfie, and lunched with a friend. 

 We finally got to see the windmills on the far side of the island. 

  And of course there was waaa-aaay too much eating!

And finally, back to Berkeley.