INCENSE AND SENSIBILITY

 An eye-catching 17th-century incense burner in feline form from the Parisian Musée Cernuschi's collection of bronze Japanese animals. A decorative item that was intended for domestic use which was both light-hearted and sensitive to the emotional attachment to cats. A universal sentiment.

Vocabulary

un brûle-parfum: an incense burner

joyeux, joyeuse, enjoué: light-hearted

©2025 P. B. Lecron

WAITING

En attente . . .

Waiting for a good grooming and restoration is this pair of sphinx at the Parc Bagatelle, Paris.

Vocabulary

en attente:  on hold; pending
se toiletter : to groom (oneself)

être soigné(e):  to be groomed

©2025 P. B. Lecron

LOOK THROUGH ANY WINDOW

We happened by this barn or grange in the village of Rennemoulin that had its doors wide 

open on the side opposite to this window, creating the illusion of a mirror. The bucolic village 

is one of the smallest in the department of les Yvelines, and a favorite venue for a leisurely stroll.

Rennemoulin is about 10 km west of Versailles.

©2025 P. B. Lecron

 

INDUSTRIAL TOURISM OR POSTMODERNISM?

Standing tall and forlorn

The unusual and emblematic tour-marteau or hammer tower, once used for coal extraction in 

the mining community of Folschviller in the Moselle, was erected in 1948 and stands 58 meters high.

In use until 1979, it was saved from demolition and registered as an historical monument in 1992.

A unique--and today ironizing sculptural--example of French industrial patrimony in Lorraine. 

©2025 P. B. Lecron

 

HONORING PAEK YOUNGSU

Home sweet home

A time and space of tranquility

Time still remains to immerse oneself in a touchingly exquisite and intimate grouping 

of works of the late Paek Youngsu (1922-2018) at the Musée Cernuschi in Paris. The museum,

dedicated to Far Eastern arts, has on display paintings of the Korean contemporary artist who lived 

and worked in France from 1977 to 2011. Whether Paek Youngsu's paintings be described as intentionally naïve or Minimalist, their sheer simplicity evokes moments of comfort, vulnerability, and innocence. 

Exposed in a small, glass-enclosed space, the discreet character of the exhibit recalls the nature 

of the subject matter--the serenity of the home.

©2025 P. B. Lecron

A BURST OF YELLOW

Dent-de-lion or pissenlit, call it what you may, it's the sturdiest and brightest of spring blossoms.

Yes, blossoms, not weeds! Median strips along roads in France are often joyfully carpeted 

with them this time of year!

In the language of flowers, the dandelion symbolizes childhood innocence, family, and sharing.

 A springtime diuretic, thus the vernacular piss- en- lit, this comestible plant is loaded with nutrition. 

Vocabulary

un éclatement:  a burst, a pop, an explosion, a flash

©2025 P. B. Lecron