ARTIST AND DESIGNER

This autumn, the Jacquemart-andré Museum is celebrating one of the most famous painters of the Italian Renaissance. The exhibition “Botticelli. Artist and Designer” takes visitors on a chronological and thematic journey to explore the creative genius of Sandro Botticelli (14451510) and his studio. It illustrates the master's personal stylistic development, the links between his work and the culture of his time, and the impact he had on the Florentine artists of the Quattrocento.

Botticelli's career reflects the influence and profound changes that were transforming the city under the Medicis, a rich family of bankers and important patrons who supported the arts.

Botticelli was considered one of the greatest artists of Florence, yet his life and the activity of his studio are still shrouded in a certain amount of mystery. He was a creator, entrepreneur and teacher, constantly alternating between unique creations and complete series, with the help of his many assistants. The artist's studio was a laboratory of ideas and a place of training, typical of the Italian Renaissance. A fairly widespread studio practice was copying, which was as much a learning exercise as a commercial strategy. Any work from the studio was the result of collaboration, but remained a work “by Botticelli”, as it was made according to his designs and bore his signature.

A common practice in Quattracento studios was the duplication and reuse of models. This strategy requires constant innovation, in which Botticelli excelled thanks to his never-ending inventiveness and the production of “tondi”, a circular format which was very popular in Florence. Botticelli was perfectly proficient in their creation and innovative in compositions and perspectives.

The last few years were marked by greater influence from the studio over the ageing and weakened master's work. The studio attempted to perpetuate Botticelli's original vision but failed to retain all its grace. Botticelli was largely forgotten and was only rediscovered in the 19th century.

The exhibition presents around forty works by this refined painter as well as some paintings by his Florentine contemporaries whom he influenced.

Through to January 24th, 2022.

158 boulevard Haussmann (8th) www.musee-jacquemart-andre.com

ARC DE TRIOMPHE

In 1806, Napoleon I ordered the construction of the Arc de Triomphe in honour of the Great Army. It houses the tomb of the unknown soldier. From the terrace, this iconic monument offers a unique panorama over the Champs Elysées.

Place Charles de Gaulle (8th)

THE PONT ALEXANDRE III BRIDGE

The Pont Alexandre III bridge was opened to mark the 1900 Paris Exposition and is now classified as a historical monument. It is a symbol of Franco-russian friendship. The four ends are flanked by monumental pylons decorated with golden pegasi representing the Fame of the Arts, Sciences, Commerce and Industry. It connects the Invalides to the Grand Palais and Petit Palais.

Quai d'orsay, Cours de la Reine (8th)