Anting-Anting are something that many people in the West will not be familiar with. Yet, their designs and purpose have a connection to faith and superstition right across the world. These talismans are worn by their owners to protect them from danger. They often come in the form of crosses or other religious iconography and have great significance to the wearer. The idea is that those large amulets will protect soldiers in the line of fire, policemen in the line of duty and all kinds of other wearers. The mixture of Catholic and traditional culture is familiar, yet at the same time unique to the Philippines.
Emil Georg Bührle is one of the most celebrated German art collectors of the modern era. Over a short period in the 1950s, Buhrle amassed an enormous collection of art from some of the best masters in Europe. These pieces stretch from the impressionist movement of the 19th century to some of the masters of cubism and modern art in the mid 20th century. Among them are beautiful pieces by Degas, Cezanne, Monet, Picasso and many more. The collection on its own is a snapshot of European art history through the eyes of a very clever collector.
In the heart of the 7th arrondissement, near the Hôtel de la Motte Picquet, can be found the prestigious Hôtel des Invalides. This complex of buildings and its huge golden dome, a Parisian landmark, is home to the Army Museum and monuments relating to French military history. Here you can see a magnificent collection of weapons, uniforms, armour, military models and more, as well as the tomb of Napoleon.
For Valentine's Day, take your other half for a romantic and cultural getaway in one the romantic museums of Paris. From your base at the Hotel La Motte Picquet, you can head out to discover these authentic places where love is a central theme. From the Museum of Romantic Life to the Orsay Museum, via the Rodin Museum and the Cluny Museum, you'll be spoiled for choice.
Great pieces of art push boundaries into areas of modern expression or call back to ideas and images from the past. They help us to see where we have been, as well as where we are going. In some cases, the very best pieces can do both. The Throne at the Musee du Louvre is a great example of this.
Yves Saint Laurent was one of the leading creative geniuses of the Parisian fashion world. He had this strange way of tapping into ideas and cultures and adding his own slant on the themes and designs. This is brilliantly clear in the way that he worked with designs from Eastern cultures.
