MONTMARTRE

The highlight of our 5th day in Paris was to head to Montmartre, in the northern section of the city where Impressionist artists and bohemians were attracted at the turn of the century. Atop its hill is Sacré Coeur (Sacred Head) Church which has the best panoramic view of the city. 

The view definitely was not disappointing.  

Our transportation modes added a new one since after the metro in order not to have some energy left we took a new form of transportation for us, the funicular, a tram like car which runs along rails to reach the top of Montmartre's hill due to the steep incline and numerous stairs. It's worth the metro ticket!

Our job was also to find the Salvador Dali Exhibit and obviously we were on the right track but enroute we found the marketplace with dozens of artists selling their wares and painting portraits.

So poised at 13

The artist in the beret sketched this young lady next to us at her dinner table for $20 no less. 

Espace d' Dalí was beyond expectations as this little museum houses the largest collection in France by Dalí.

The surrealist Dalí (1934-1987) insisted he was not a sculptor but claimed it was his transformation of his ideas into three dimensional forms that differentiated him from other artists using a lost wax process . 


This Spaniard's creative works speak for themselves as his ideas become reality combining whimsy and fantasy. 

His bronze sculptures and graphic artworks illustrate he was an artist ahead of his times.  

 

Twisting religious symbolism is one of his common themes...

The metal piece reflects the lower drawing not as an insect but as a face

Infamous melting clock...

 








Dalí's career was bolstered by a love. His love story of Gala, his Russian born muse ten years his senior also was his agent. Married when she met Dalí at the beginning of his career in '29 began a menage a trois and did eventually marry him in '34. Gala had a strong sexual drive continuing extramarital affairs throughout their marriage. They had an agreement that he must write her and get permission before coming home. Fascinating to say the least.   Perhaps the saying "Behind every great man is a great woman." Gala certainly brought out the passion in Dalí. And we can today savor that art.

So Montmartre's definitely a must if you want both a terrific city view and art. Numerous restaurants and gift shops await you.