TheArt Institute of Chicago has a jaw-dropping collection of French paintings, and, as I wandered through the galleries, I photographed a few masterpieces…

Above is Paris Street; Rainy Day by Gustave Caillebotte. While vacationing in Paris last year during a week of rain, I thought of this painting and the cloudy skies suddenly seemed romantic.

This fellow (by Auguste Rodin of The Thinker fame), was kind enough to pose for me. Isn’t he fabulous?
The Bathers by William-Adolphe Bouguereau, with their lovely pale skin (and a French bun!).
Monet painted the Rocks at Port-Goulphar, Belle-Ile after vacationing on the small island in Brittany. Can’t you imagine climbing those dramatic cliffs and swimming in the sparkling water?
Frederic Bazille, who shared a studio with Monet, painted this self-portrait while looking in a mirror; hence, the paint palette. I love his expression!


A Sunday Afternoon On The Island Of La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat. Pop culture fun fact: Cameron was obsessed with this painting in the movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. And, really, can you blame him?

(Photos by Joanna Goddard)