Paris: Passion and Money -- What a Combo!

When you have a grand passion -- and enough money -- you can do some pretty remarkable things. Edouard Andre and his artist wife, Nelie Jacquemart, had both and they built their home to display their extensive art collection.

The result was a gift to the country of Musee Jacquemart-Andre, located on Boulevard Haussman. Edouard had married the artist who a decade before painted his portrait and together they traveled in search of masterpieces to fill their Parisian home.

The couple's home was given to the Institut de France as a museum following Nelie's death, filled with their personal collection of remarkable paintings and antiques. The ceilings were works of art in themselves.

And the murals decorating the walls were by noted artists. I'm thinking Titian or Tinteretto or some "T" guy, but I may be wrong on that (to be honest, we saw so much art that after awhile it became blurry!

Just entering the main room is a bit awe-inspiring with its gold leaf.

This is part of the State Apartments, designed to host their formal receptions. Pretty fancy! And quite the selection of tapestries!

Rick was fond of the music room. There is a balcony for the musicians all around the top of it. And silk wallpaper and paintings.

Same room, looking down from the musician's gallery.

My favorite area was the Winter Garden, which is quite like a conservatory with a spiral staircase leading to a gallery above.

I couldn't help but notice this woman.

She was sketching one of the sculptures in the Winter Garden, seemingly oblivious to the crowds around her.

 Here we are overlooking the Winter Garden.

There is quite a sculpture gallery -- I particularly liked the Della Robbia piece, but it also included works by Donatello and others.

Works on religious these were featured in the Florentine Gallery, along with works by Botticelli, among others. The couple also loved Venetian artists and many of their works are featured here as well.

Finally, we got to see the couple's private apartments, which while somewhat more intimate were still a little over the top! At least for me!

Also featured during our visit was an exhibition of work by Caravagio.

I can't say it wowed me, because for the most part, much it was rather gruesome and I didn't take pix of those. I rather liked this one, though.

But you have to admire his remarkable technique.

I certainly admire the elegance of the Jacquemart-Andre family ...

...and beautiful art collected lovingly and displayed well is indeed well worth seeing.

This was the only room (apart from the Winter Garden) that resonated with me personally. Could I live in this space?

Not on a bet.

Fortunately, not a choice I'll have to make! But it's lovely to visit!

After all that, it was time for crepes!

After all, this sightseeing stuff gets tiring!