This art nouveau pewter notepad was purchased at the 74th Foire Nationale a la Brocante et aux Jambons at Chatou, near Paris.
Some French art lovers are furious that the government plans to build a branch of the world-famous Louvre (pictured in my masthead) in Abu Dhabi. It would be the first foreign annex of the museum. The row apparently stems from controversy over France making money from the deal, signed this week in Abu Dhabi.
Under terms of the agreement Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, will pay millions of euros over 30 years to display art on loan from French museums. The emirate will pay 400 million euros (about $524m) for the privilege of using the Louvre name. Agence France Presse reported the first payment of 150m euros will be made within a month. Critics say this amounts to using France's rich artistic heritage for purely commercial ends. "Our museums are not for sale," proclaims an online petition posted on La Tribune de l'Art. It is signed by 4,700 people, including curators, art historians and archaeologists.
But the French culture ministry says the deal represents an "exceptional chance" for the French art world. The deal, signed by Culture Minister Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres and Sheikh Sultan bin Tannoun, paves the way for a "Louvre Abu Dhabi," slated to open in 2012. While the architect will be French, construction costs will be paid by the emirate.
Critics contend the art will be displayed in a "random, unscientific" way in Abu Dhabi and that transporting hundreds of fragile works is fraught with risk. Louvre President Henri Loyrette has defended the agreement, but said he "understands the concerns." He has announced a new body, composed primarily of curators, to oversee the "scientific quality of the project and the respect of ethical rules."
The second photo is the back of an art nouveau pewter notepad found opening day at the brocante at Chatou.
I am not absolutely opposite to the idea. It is like Guggenheim Museums with a Fondation that "share" a permanent collection. But I believe art and culture should be accessible to everyone...so I would prefer they build "another Louvre" in Latinoamerica...Peru for instance and not in a place where "only elites will go"....A big hug
Posted by: Catalina | 19 March 2007 at 09:24
I think it's a bad idea. Since it's about money, not art, not really. Plus -- lots of opportunity for theft and damage going back and forth. Some things should be left alone.
Posted by: Colette | 17 March 2007 at 20:54
Love the notebook! I have been looking for something similar to hold business cards....Great find!
Posted by: mymelange | 17 March 2007 at 17:11
These are so beautiful, the laptops of their day, I suppose. I'd just love to hold it in my hand and wonder who had done the same in the past. Beautiful.
Happy Paddy's Day Tara, any green Guinness in Paree?
Posted by: ainelivia | 17 March 2007 at 11:40
Meant to say, "Lovely pewter notebook!"
Did it come home with you from the brocante? It's beautiful!
Posted by: tinker | 16 March 2007 at 23:19
As much as I think art should be for everyone - if a piece of artwork is fragile, should it really be moved? I'm glad there at least going to have curators overseeing this...hope all goes well with the project, since it seems they're already committed to it.
Posted by: tinker | 16 March 2007 at 23:17
Hmmmm....Why does this seem so surreal of a deal to me? I don't even know what I am talking about , ha! I wish the Louvre would set up a museum here!
Posted by: pam aries | 16 March 2007 at 22:18
This project just seems to be one small step beyond the Louvre Atlanta project:
http://www.louvreatlanta.org/en/home/
Posted by: Colorful Prose | 16 March 2007 at 21:32
Incredible pieces of artwork. I am hopeful the negativity will turn into a positive and everyone will see art is meant to be shared, an opportunity for all to enjoy its beauty and gain inspiration.
XO
Kristen
Posted by: Kristen Robisnon | 16 March 2007 at 21:13
The double heart with a crown above it and the fleur de lys carefully enclosed with the heart! Oh my maybe this belonged to someone royal?
Tara responds:
You might be right! Someone from a museum in Paris just contacted me about the notepad.
Posted by: tongue in cheek | 16 March 2007 at 21:13
I see the sense in both arguments. I can understand why the govt had opted to participate in such 'commercial venture' in a way, it is also positive for French art. There's a lot to say about 'sharing' (even if there's money exchanging hands) and less to say about hogging in vanity...
On the other hand, the citizens of France also have the right to comment on items which they consider as an important part of their heritage.
I guess, govt policies trumped complaining Frenchie...
Money talk louder than....
Nx
p.s Love your pewter notebook! Simply adore art nouveau & decor period...
Posted by: Nina | 16 March 2007 at 21:12
That is a beautiful notepad Tara. I think art is meant to be shared :) xxoo
Posted by: Tammy | 16 March 2007 at 20:45
you know the old saying money talks well it really is true in Dhabi. I read somewhere that there is a building there that has a mountian for snowing.
Posted by: poody | 16 March 2007 at 19:15
No snob like a French art snob it would seem. I'm kind of amused by the concern that the art be displayed in a "scientific" manner, since when did science have anything to do with art? Anyway, it does seem they are more concerned that the Arabs taint the image and just don't "get" art like the French do. Surely it is a positive thing to spread European artistic heritage, or am I missing something?
Posted by: Kamsin | 16 March 2007 at 18:36
I think the the adjunct Louvre holds many possibilities for the French and global art community. Art collections have always traveled the globe making visits to museums all over the world with safety and success. The money that will be infused into the Louvre coffers can make an outstanding art museum even more phenomenal for the French and their millions of foreign visitors.
Posted by: JanePoe (aka Deborah) | 16 March 2007 at 17:32
that would be crazy! methinks:)
Posted by: berrie | 16 March 2007 at 16:56
oops didn't mean to hit send. the art is the most important thing to consider although with such a steep price tag, it's hard to imagine there's objectivity.
Posted by: kristen | 16 March 2007 at 15:44
i love the art nouveau style, the curling lines and nature motifs are always rich.
i don't know what i think about this. does the louvre loan art out to other museums? i do think it's tough when there's such large sums of money involved and of course the art, that's the most important.
Posted by: kristen | 16 March 2007 at 15:42
I always learn so much when visiting your site!A beautiful note pad but the weight of it!hugs NG
Posted by: naturegirl | 16 March 2007 at 14:29