So today I had an hour and a half to fill up, and I kind of wanted to break up my 11 hours of sitting with some walking...so off I went to the art museum. I started in the "Western Art: Late Medieval to the Present" collection. Once inside I stood there for a minute, breathing in art-filled air and suddenly all I felt was relief. And then I remembered that that always happens in a museum. I walk in and see beautiful things; they instantly start seeping into my being and all is right in the world.
In honor of museums the world over, here are some of my favorite paintings that I can remember off the top of my head (I have a folder of them on Vera so I may post an addendum later):
Maxfield Parrish's Lantern Bearers. American Illustration...I love it so! It's so unappreciated, especially by art historians (except me, of course. Hah!)
Caravaggio, for all his many, many flaws, has a special place in my heart. Is this best illustrated by a painting about decapitation? Maybe not, but it's just so mesmerizing.
Judith Beheading Holofernes
Things I have soft spots for: Jacques-Louis David, Napoleon and drama.
Napoleon Crossing the Alps, and, just because I love you, here is another version.
Sometimes I think Waterhouse doesn't get enough respect because his paintings are so popular with the common people, but really, his paintings are beautiful and wistful.
Lamia
Rain! I love rain. And I love a good rainy atmosphere captured in a painting. Thank you, Caillebotte. This is also the only painting in this list I've seen in person.
Paris Street, Rainy Day
Ooooh! Now I definitely have to go to the art museum.
ReplyDeleteI'm a definite Caravaggio fan too.
ReplyDeleteI remember going to the Art Museum with you last year. It was a lot of fun. I think at that time we found a copy of the Lamplighters at the bookstore and you pointed it out. It really is a magical painting. Too bad you haven't been able to see the real thing.
ReplyDeleteSo what was your favorite part of the art museum here?
Also, I'm surprised you didn't add a picture of Attachment. I thought that was your most favoritest one ever. :)
Hey Julie! How are you! It's your cousin, Cori (Jones) Carpenter! How are you? I hope you don't mind, I found your blog from Aunt Sidney's page. It's good to see you! I'm trying to be better about staying in touch with cousins and all! Hope all is well! Keep in touch!
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised at your inclusion of Caillebotte and David. And, I must say, Maxfield Parrish does not go unappreciated by this art historian either.
ReplyDeleteThey had an exhibition at the BYU MOA a while ago of Japanese woodblock prints that I'm really sad you weren't here to see.
Yay art history!
I like art.
ReplyDeleteMrs. H-B: You should! It's a wee museum but it's enough for a culture fix.
ReplyDeleteLauren: All the cool people are Caravaggio fans. Thus, we are both cool.
Marcue: I thought of including Attachment but I decided to showcase things I haven't posted on already.
Cori: Hello, cousin! It's nice to see you here in the blogging world, especially since we never get to meet in the real world. Yes, let us keep in touch!
Shelley: I'm curious about why Caillebotte and David surprised you. And when was that woodblock exhibit up? I think I may have seen it.
Drew: I like you. Bahahaha. I took my corny pill today.
I adore Caillebotte, especially that painting. One of my absolute favorites. Hooray for the Art Institute! And I also love Carravaggio and David for how over-the-top they are. It's funny, for as much as we already have in common, we've never really talked art.
ReplyDelete