St. Stephen’s School recently offered grade 11 students an incredible opportunity to deepen their understanding of art and history through a study trip to Paris.
The trip celebrated the centennial of André Breton’s Surrealist Manifesto, a defining moment that established the principles of Surrealism. Students visited the Centre George Pompidou to explore a major exhibition dedicated to the movement, making connections to their IB curriculum, which featured two surrealist paintings. The experience allowed students to engage directly with the themes and techniques discussed in class.
At the Musée d’Orsay, students encountered Édouard Manet’s Olympia and works by Gustave Courbet, both integral to their coursework. These masterpieces, paired with discussions led by faculty, offered an immersive perspective on the evolution of modern art.
The trip also highlighted the dramatic transformation of Paris under Baron Georges Haussmann. By visiting landmarks such as the Musée Marmottan and exploring Impressionist paintings, students reflected on how the modernization of the city influenced its culture and art. Insights from renowned art historians, including TJ Clark, provided additional depth to their understanding of the “painting of modern life.”
This unforgettable journey through Paris brought the curriculum to life, combining history, art, and culture in a way that inspired students to think critically about the connections between past and present.
