Saturday, February 4, 2017

Unicorns and Magic Flutes

The Lady and the Unicorn, Musee Cluny
We made a return visit to the Musee Cluny today in order to rent a head set.  We needed more in depth information than the French labels offered.  Also, we missed the Lady and the Unicorn Tapestries the first visit.  Found this time, they are alone in a room off the main corridors.  The six panels represent the senses of touch, taste, smell, sight, hearing and a 6th whose meaning is obscure.
The Musee sits in what was once a Gallo Roman district and was constructed upon the vintages of the  Roman baths here.  This area was demolished when the barbarians invaded.  The locals, known as Lutitians used the stones from the demolition to build the rampart now around the Ile de la Cite.
The chapel in the Musee is an example of the pure Flamboyant style gothic architecture.  It is small but breath taking.
Notre Dame
This evening we attended the Opera Bastille to hear Mozart's Magic Flute.  This is Wayne's favorite opera.  I can see why and also appreciated the humor and musicianship.  Our walk there and back was along the Seine, past Notre Dame whose bells were ringing and with a beautiful view of the moon over the Pantheon.  Pictures of our day at flickr.