Precious moments very often slip by unnoticed, such as enjoying a productive afternoon in the garden, a rainy summer evening at the beach or those days when the girls got together for lunch and conversation. Why must we wait for nostalgic flashbacks to appreciate the value of enchanting moments?
Brunch on the patio at Ladurée was a phenomenal treat, to relax without the extremes of politics, weather or hatred. There were only a few people out and about making it perfect to practice social distancing. Reservations were made for 11:30AM to eat in the courtyard surrounded by trees, and balmy breezes. It was glorious sitting in the shade sipping a coffee and enjoying the gruyere quiche.
This weekend I traveled to Paris. I know what you’re thinking with plane travel taking a backseat this season, but I journeyed to Degas’s Paris … curtesy of the Smithsonian. A few of us were thrilled to receive notices from local museums offering timed tickets to several exhibitions. It’s great to be out an about even for a few hours so, on Friday afternoon I headed to the National Gallery of Art to see Degas at the Opéra.
My photo of the Paris Opéra taken at sunset from our hotel room in January and a Photochrom Zurich, Paris, Opéra, from Souvenirs de Paris, c. 1889–1990, National Gallery of Art Library, Washington, Department of Image Collections
The Dance Class, begun 1873, completed 1875-176, oil on canvas, Musée d’Orsay- Bequest of Isaac de Camondo, 1911. Jules Perrot was a celebrated dancer and choreographer who is seen in several paintings by Degas.The Dance Class c. 1873, oil on canvas, National Gallery of Art, Washington
In January I was in Paris and visited the Musée d’Orsay to see this same exhibition. You wouldn’t believe how crowded the gallery was and how difficult it was to maneuver or see the works on display. Fast forward six months to the luxury of “timed passes” and to have only a limited number of people in each room.
This exhibition is curated to highlight Degas fascination with the Paris Opéra. As a music lover and regular visitor to performances, his range of media includes paintings, pastels, drawings, prints and sculptures. He explored all of the public spaces surrounding the opéra such as the auditorium; stage and boxes, the private boxes for the elite, along with dance studios and backstage scenes,
Next, we were off to China for a timed dinner at Graces Mandarin in the National Harbor.
Here we were able to enjoy a refreshing snack, while reviewing our notes and photos from the Degas exhibit.
There “salt and pepper” chicken wings are fabulous and the National Harbor rice is a meal in itself. The rice is loaded with scallops, shrimp, Berkshire pork, green beans, onions and butternut squash…. delicious!!!
Stylish Heath 