{"id":6832,"date":"2020-03-04T10:23:58","date_gmt":"2020-03-04T10:23:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tiqets-blog-staging.local\/musee-dorsay-paintings\/"},"modified":"2025-08-22T08:51:57","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T08:51:57","slug":"musee-dorsay-paintings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/blog\/musee-dorsay-paintings\/","title":{"rendered":"Mus\u00e9e d’Orsay Paintings: Show Me the Monet","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u2013<\/em>\u00a0This post was written by\u00a0Mick Murray<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0\u2013<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

From polar bears to African elephants, here’s your guide to one of Paris’s most spectacular museums: the Mus\u00e9e d’Orsay<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you’re devoted to Degas, crave a selfie with Van Gogh, or want to spend three days counting every dot in your favourite pointillist masterpiece, you’ll find everything you need to plan your visit right here. Read on to learn about the highlights, uncover the hidden gems, and find practical information on how to make the most of your trip.<\/p>\n\n\n

Why should you visit the Mus\u00e9e d’Orsay?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n
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\"Large
Large ornate gold clock in front of Mus\u00e9e d’Orsay. Photo by Samuel Isaacs<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The real question is: why wouldn\u2019t you? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Orsay occupies a specific niche filled by none of its fellow museums in Paris. It has the biggest collection of famous Impressionist paintings on the planet, spanning a period between the mid-1800s and early 1900s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re a big fan of Impressionism, this is the best place in the world for you to go. Even if you\u2019re not a big fan of this art style, there\u2019s a good chance you\u2019ll be won over after a visit here \u2013 the range is a lot wider than you might think, and different approaches by different artists provide some unique interpretations.

You\u2019ll also be able to see some of the most well-known Van Gogh paintings in existence, including the famous Starry Night over the Rh\u00f4ne<\/em> and one of his most infamous self-portraits. The intimate presentation of these iconic works of art is pretty special, especially considering Mus\u00e9e d’Orsay is generally not as busy as other major museums like the Louvre.

Lastly, the building itself is absolutely spectacular. Even if it wasn\u2019t full of some of the world\u2019s most famous artworks, it\u2019d be a noteworthy landmark and tourist attraction in itself. The museum is set in a spacious and elegant former railway station, and watching the sun beam in through the windows is almost enough to make you want to create your very own impressionist painting of the scene (side note: please don\u2019t bring paint into the museum).<\/p>\n\n\n

Famous Impressionist paintings at the Mus\u00e9e d’Orsay<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n

After being told that this museum features the world\u2019s foremost Impressionist art collection, you could reasonably expect there to be some pretty famous paintings here. And you\u2019d be right. From grim self-portraits to an extravagant pointillist circus, here are a few of the Mus\u00e9e d’Orsay\u2019s absolute highlights.<\/p>\n\n\n

Georges Seurat – The Circus<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
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\"Georges
The Circus<\/em>. Photo from WikiArt<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The Circus<\/em> was Seurat\u2019s last known painting before his death, and can be seen as the final masterpiece of this legendary artist. Seurat employed a new style known as Pointillism \u2013 basically thousands of coloured dots giving the impression of a collective whole.

Early critics missed the point. This off-shoot of Impressionism wasn\u2019t immediately popular \u2013 \u2018Pointillism\u2019 was actually coined as an insult by art critics of the time. But opinions changed as people gradually began to recognize the value in this unique way of painting. Turns out that laborious and painstaking techniques used to create never-before-seen images might actually capture the public imagination!<\/p>\n\n\n

Vincent van Gogh – Starry Night Over the Rh\u00f4ne<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
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\"Vincent<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

If you ask someone to start listing famous paintings, it\u2019s only a matter of time until the words \u2018starry night\u2019 come out of their mouth. This Post-Impressionist artwork is one of the museum\u2019s top highlights, and gives visitors the remarkable opportunity to get close to one of the world\u2019s greatest artistic legacies. 

Standing inches away from the brushstrokes of Van Gogh, you\u2019ll understand why people rate his work so highly \u2013 and why it\u2019s different to see his richly textured paintings in real life rather than in picture format. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The colours are astounding, and visitors are instantly transported back through the years to this exact moment, when the artist looked out on the water and saw the reflections of gas lanterns on the water.<\/p>\n\n\n

Vincent van Gogh – Self-portrait (1889)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
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\"Vincent<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Having battled with severe mental health issues throughout his life, Van Gogh was acutely aware of his mood and wellbeing. He reflected these emotions in his self-portraits, which were often accompanied by descriptions of how he was feeling. In this case, the image was accompanied by a letter to his younger brother, saying: \u201cyou will notice that my facial expressions have become much calmer, although my eyes have the same insecure look as before.\u201d

It\u2019s a compelling painting, and the hallucinatory swirling patterns in the background seem to move around and mesmerize you from all angles. Despite Van Gogh stating that he feels much calmer, there\u2019s something tumultuous, dark, and troubled in this painting that can still be recognized over 130 years later.<\/p>\n\n\n

\u00c9douard Manet – Luncheon on the Grass<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
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\"Manet
Photo from WikiArt<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

This is a seminal painting in the world of art history, and understanding its significance is crucial to understanding many of the other works found in the museum \u2013 especially the next one on this list (more on that later).  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Manet occupied a crucial space between Realism and Impressionism, which is reflected in his work. The Luncheon on the Grass<\/em> caused a bit of a furore when it first came out, and to this day, people are divided in their reactions.

Critics said (and continue to say) that the painting lacks form, is confusing to look at, and needlessly provocative, while iconic French novelist and man-of-letters \u00c9mile Zola claimed it was one of the greatest works of Manet\u2019s generation. So is it a masterpiece, or is it formless and devoid of technique? See it for yourself and make your own decision! <\/p>\n\n\n

Claude Monet – Luncheon on the Grass<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
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\"Claude
Photo from WikiArt<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

No, that\u2019s not a typo. Manet\u2019s near-namesake Monet also created his own luncheon, presumably bitter about having not been invited to the original one. While you might think of Claude Monet as that well-bearded old man who loved painting water lilies, he was also a bit of a mischievous soul.

Monet and Manet were contemporaries, and by all accounts quite close friends. Monet\u2019s reinterpretation of his friend\u2019s controversial painting can be seen in a lot of different ways: as a tribute, a friendly joke, or a bit of light one-upmanship between friends. The real question is, which luncheon do you like better?<\/p>\n\n\n

Edgar Degas – The Absinthe Drinker<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
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\"Edgar<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Ugly. Disgusting. Brutal. These are some of the words used by critics at the painting\u2019s reception in 1876, which as you may have guessed didn\u2019t go too great. Almost two decades passed, and it was time for Degas to get the credit he deserved. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

His painting was once again exhibited in 1892, ready for a more sophisticated modern audience to welcome it with open arms. Everyone applauded and Degas was lauded for his… – wait, no, they still absolutely hated everything about it.

This isn’t a pretty painting. It\u2019s morbid, sombre, and off-putting. The slumped couple are thoroughly unpleasant to look at, with their bleak expressions devoid of any joy or spark. And that\u2019s exactly why it\u2019s so brilliant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Degas perfectly captures the hopelessness and blankness of the situation. The vacant stares, the loneliness, and the lethargy of the scene are overwhelming. You can understand why early critics found it hard to look at, but these days we might find it harder to look away.<\/p>\n\n\n

Francois Pompon – Polar Bear<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
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\"Francois
Ours Blanc<\/em>. Photo from MuseeOrsay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The last highlight on this list isn\u2019t a painting, but it\u2019s so representative of the museum\u2019s collection that it\u2019s impossible not to include here. Francois Pompon\u2019s Polar Bear<\/em> is one of the most familiar and treasured sights at the museum, and it\u2019s easy to see why people flock to it.

Pompon represents the animal in its simple and purest form, and actively sought out just to capture the essence of the creature with nothing superfluous. It\u2019s amazing how minimalist he was in his approach, and how effective it was. And it\u2019s a polar bear \u2013 what\u2019s not to like?<\/p>\n\n\n

Slightly less famous Impressionist paintings at the Mus\u00e9e d’Orsay (aka the hidden gems)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n

The biggest mistake you can make when visiting a museum is to stop at just the highlights. The point of visiting the Louvre<\/a> isn\u2019t to spot the Mona Lisa and walk out again \u2013 there are plenty of hidden treasures waiting to be discovered by those who are willing to spend just a little bit of extra time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seeing some of the lesser-known gems on the list below is a low-effort, high-reward way of getting the most out of your trip to the Orsay Museum. Don\u2019t skip these \u2013 you\u2019ll regret it later!<\/p>\n\n\n

Georges Lemmen – The Beach at Heist<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
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\"Georges<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

This colourful masterpiece by Georges Lemmen is a great example of the pointillist technique that became popular with Belgian artists near the end of the 1880s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Beach at Heist<\/em> is a peaceful scene, depicting a serene beach landscape with a solitary boat \u2013 potentially abandoned \u2013 against a stunning backdrop of vivid orange, purple, and yellow. It\u2019s easy to get lost in the countless circles and ovals that make up the background of this painting, and it\u2019s a must-see if you\u2019re visiting the Orsay.<\/p>\n\n\n

Gustave Moreau – Galatea<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
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\"Gustave
Photo from WikiArt<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

It might sound clich\u00e9, but it doesn\u2019t take a great stretch of the imagination to call Galatea<\/em> a truly beautiful painting. With hints of silver seemingly woven into the canvas, the subject shimmers and shines, and takes on an entirely new life.

The theme of the painting was taken from Ovid\u2019s Metamorphoses<\/em>, and tells the story of a beautiful, unobtainable nymph coveted by a brutal cyclops named Polyphemus. The image of the one-eyed giant looming at the top of the painting adds layers of depth and drama to an already spellbinding scene.<\/p>\n\n\n

Claude Monet – London Houses of Parliament: The Sun Shining Through the Fog<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
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\"Claude
Photo from WikiArt<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Monet may be most famous for his water lilies, but it should be remembered that he created a whole range of masterpieces \u2013 and not only based on flowers! He even managed to make political buildings look great, as evidenced by this painting.

The red and black tones give it a moody, mysterious, and deeply atmospheric feel. Stay around long enough, and you\u2019ll see how it draws visitors in, absorbing them directly into the misty world of 19th-century London.<\/p>\n\n\n

Claude Monet – Camille on her Death Bed<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
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\"Claude<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Camille was Monet\u2019s first wife. By most accounts, the two were deeply in love, and sacrificed a lot in order to be together. Despite neither of their parents approving of the union, they married in 1870, and had two children together.

Both families eventually disowned them after the birth of their first child, leaving the two essentially on their own. In 1877, shortly after the birth of their second child, Camille died. This painting shows the tenderness, love, and unbearable grief felt by someone watching their spouse die in front of their eyes. <\/p>\n\n\n

Charles de Tournemine: African Elephants<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
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\"Charles
African Elephants. Photo from WikiMedia<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

After looking at the previous painting, it might be time for something a little lighter. This is a very nice painting of elephants. In fact, some might call it the nicest ever painting of elephants. It shows the peaceful, almost joyous moment in which an African elephant herd takes time to refresh themselves in a river while the sun sets in the background. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

De Tournemine managed to capture something about the majesty, social nature, and freedom of elephants in his painting that makes it hold up to contemporary scrutiny. Unlike, for example, Renaissance or medieval-era cats<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

Odilon Redon – Decorative Scheme for Baron de Domecy<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
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\"Odilon<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

If you were a ludicrously wealthy French aristocrat, would you commission artists to decorate your entire dining room with custom designs? If so, you might have something in common with the Baron de Domecy.

Despite what you might originally think, it actually turned out to be quite tastefully done. Redon focused on natural elements, with flowers blooming against nature-inspired backdrops, and created what must have been a very relaxing atmosphere to sit around and count your francs in.<\/p>\n\n\n

How to get the most out of your Mus\u00e9e d’Orsay visit<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
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Seine river coast, facade of d’Orsay modern art Museum in Paris, France. Photo by Evannovostro<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n

For the quick and ambitious: <\/h3>\n\n\n

Book your ticket in advance<\/a>, and use the queue for people who pre-booked their tickets. You\u2019ll get in faster. The only thing you need is your smartphone and your best \u2018merci\u2019 as the staff scans you through. See the highlights first, then if you have any time left, examine the other parts of the museum. There\u2019s much more here than you might think!<\/p>\n\n\n

For the family field trip: <\/h3>\n\n\n

There\u2019s a combined ticket available with the nearby Musee l\u2019Orangerie, on the other side of the Seine. This museum is smaller, but contains eight of Monet\u2019s huge and stunning nymphea<\/em>, or water lilies. For a few euros more, you can get a bunch of added value, as well as a nice walk along the Seine with the family.<\/p>\n\n\n

For the art aficionado: <\/h3>\n\n\n

Go in early, around opening time. After getting up to the fifth floor, you\u2019ll see a suggested route telling you to go right. Go left instead, then take a left again. You\u2019ll end up face to face with Starry Night over the Rh\u00f4ne<\/em>, and there\u2019s a good chance you\u2019ll have the room all to yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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