Les Histoires de Babar at Les Arts Décoratifs
January 4th, 2012 § 2 Comments
Can you believe that Babar, the beloved king of the elephants from the popular children’s books written by Jean de Brunhoff and his son Laurent, is turning 80 this year? In his honor, Les Arts Décoratifs in Paris has put together a lovely exhibition of books, sketches, toys and memorabilia, drawing from great museums and private collections around the world, showing Babar’s journey throughout the years.
Growing up, Babar was one of my very favorite stories, and I strongly believe it is the source of my small obsession with elephants. I especially love the simplicity of the watercolor illustrations by Jean de Brunhoff, from the little pom pom on cousin Arthur’s beret to the wrinkles of the older elephants. It was even better to find out that Babar was originally a bedtime story told by Cécile de Brunhoff, mother to Laurent (who was five at the time) and wife to Jean, a painter, in 1930. Jean, at the request of his sons, turned the story into an illustrated album that was then published by his uncle’s publishing house in 1931 as Histoire de Babar, le petit éléphant (Story of Babar), to great acclaim. Jean went on to write six more Babar books before his untimely death in 1937, with son Laurent continuing the tradition after WWII. Laurent has since added more than thirty books.
A lovely interview with Laurent about Babar, his family and his own writing.
New York’s own Morgan Library — one of my favorite places in the city — has also contributed to the exhibition in Paris, and for good reason. In their collection they have the Jean’s original maquette (or first draft) of Histoire de Babar, which you can view online here with commentary and comparison to the published work.
The exhibit runs through September 2012, and I have very high hopes I will be able to make it to Paris in time to catch it. If you go before I do, please give Babar my regards.
Les Arts Décoratifs
107 rue de Rivoli
75001 Paris
28 Days of Classy and Fabulous Things: Day 19 – Try a Bit of High Art
February 19th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
**QC’s 28 Days**
In February I will be bringing you daily tips
to cultivate more classiness and fabulousness in daily life!
Image via LIFE, taken in 1958 by Walter Sanders.
Day 19: Try a Bit of High Art
I’m definitely of the opinion that a classy and fabulous life should include exposure to cultural experiences of the sort often referred to as “high culture” or “high art.” Now, granted, terming specific kinds of art as “high” invites controversy and accusations of elitism. It is not my intention to require you to snob about and attend the entire season at the Philharmonic. Au contraire! What I am modestly suggesting is that you approach high art with an open mind. Attend the ballet at least once before deciding you hate it. Listen to some Shostakovich and a bit of Debussy before deciding you don’t like classical music. Be willing to experiment and you might be surprised! (Please note, I am not suggesting that you must only enjoy stuffy baroque operas and oil paintings! A fabulous and classy life has room for everything, even Gossip Girl. Maybe not Jersey Shore…)
About six years ago, I had the good fortune to be introduced to the opera by a lovely friend. I hadn’t had any exposure to the art form, but somehow I already had preconceived notions about what it was like and how much I would (not) enjoy it. Completely preposterous! I came away completely in love after my first performance and went on to rush the entire season — even going alone to a few performances!
Skeptical? Think the opera is all heavyset women with viking hats screaming their heads off? Mais, non! Witness one of the hottest duos in contemporary opera, Rolando Villazon and Anna Netrebko, preform a selection from Massenet’s Manon, “Toi! Vous!” Luckily, I was able to see them both perform Manon at the LA Opera. It was truly amazing!
My point here is not to merely sell you on going to the opera (do try it!) but to illustrate that your preconceived notions about “high art” might be as wrong as mine were about the opera. And you’ll never know until you try. Expanding your cultural horizons pure class. Besides, what could be more fabulous than attending an opening night or a black tie gala?
Earlier: Quite Continental’s 28 Days of Classy and Fabulous Things
