Palais Royal 2011

Patrick Pietropoli’s ‘Palais Royal’ is a large painting in a muted palette, like a hazy memory. It depicts the rooftops of Paris and a distant view of Sacré-Cœur. I can almost feel the artist standing on a rooftop, squinting in the pale Parisian light, trying to capture the essence of this iconic view. I imagine Pietropoli carefully mixing his greys and creams, trying to find the perfect balance to evoke the city's melancholic charm. He’s following in a long tradition of painters captivated by Paris – Pissarro, Caillebotte… but his approach feels more personal, quieter. There’s a stillness in the painting, a sense of contemplation. The textures of the buildings, the subtle variations in tone – they all invite you to slow down and really look. The French flag waves in the distance, a symbol of national pride, but it's rendered with a gentle touch, as if the artist is acknowledging the weight of history without being overwhelmed by it. I love how a painting can do that.