Post by Alicia's Ghost on Jun 28, 2010 15:47:44 GMT -5
Alright, so these pictures were supposed to be all gorgeous and posted up yesterday...but as you may or may not know -- I've had computer problems where I almost lost every single thing I did. Anyway! I got them done again (yay for another five hours on the computer .... no life, right now, I know). So I went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art because I fucking love that museum. It's the twin of the Natural Museum of History (where Night at the Museum takes place) and don't let that stupid movie fool you: these museums are always PACKED! We went there early and it was still a little unbearable in certain places. I didn't get to see Picasso's exhibit for example, since it was so hot and gross with so many people. But, I still got to revisit some of my favorite galleries, and see some new things which are being showcased for the summer! So I took pictures of some of my favorites (well...156 pictures in total, but there's only 60 ish here... haha) and decided to share the wealth!
Orpheus & Eurydice
Sculpted by August Rodin, it was originally modeled for The Gates of Hell, where it was apparently intended to illustrate a poem from Baudelaire's Les Fleurs du Mal. This group was abandoned by Rodin in the final version of The Gates but given a second existence under the present Title.
Pygmalion & Galatea
Also sculpted by Rodin, this imagery was taken from Book X of Ovid's Metamorphoses; it relates the story of the misogynist Pygmalion, who falls in love with an ivory statue of a maiden he himself has carved. The goddess Venus transforms the figure into living flesh, and Pygmalion marries the perfect maiden, Galatea. Rodin's sculpture depicts the moment when the sculptor sees the first stirrings of life in his creation.
Eve
This statue was modeled in 1881; bronze cast in 1910. The figures of Eve and Adam were not original to Rodin's plan for the Gates of Hell, and they vanished from The Gates quite early in it's evolution. The meaning is evident: on one side, the Machelangeles Adam, the first man, slowly and reluctantly comes to life; on the other, EVE, in her shame represents mankind's fall from grace.
Theseus slaying the Centaur
Sculpted by Antoine-Louis Barye, it was modeled in 1849; bronze was cast about 1867. Barye's thorough grounding in classical prototypes is evident in this highly charged representation of an incident from the battle between the Lapiths and the Centaurs described in Book XII of Ovid's Metamorphoses.
Untitled
Well it definitely had a title, I just don't remember it and couldn't think of one that suits it. The picture I took is rather shitty because the room was unnaturally dark and flash is prohibited (for good reason). In person this painting comes to life; by simply looking at it, I could feel as if I were in that hallway, looking out toward the balcony. Despite the usual climate, you can almost feel the cool breeze of this early early morning.
Another piece I forgot about
I believe it's actually called "the Jewish quarter in Constantine" but I could be mistaken. Either way I wasn't certain so I just put whatever on the picture. I, personally, love this subject -- which you will notice since the Najd Collection is one of my favorites ever. It is an oil on canvas, which the usual for the Collection; I believe the painters were actually french.
Before the Audience
This one struck me. It is yet another of the Najd Collection <3 but what got me most about this painting in particular is the utter realism and the blending of colors. I took a closer picture of the cat for two reasons: I love cats, and I thought it was beautifully done, but also because of the man's foot. It's an odd thing to notice, but it's the little nuances of a painting that separate good from great. His feet are filthy. I love it. ^^' The details are so minute it's just... mind-blowing that someone would be able to have that in their mind while they paint.
The Almeh
Yet another in the Najd Collection, it is, by far, one of my favorites. Perhaps you've seen her floating around the internet, but the ignorance of what it is, is astounding. She's utterly beautiful, as sultry as the world painted around her. If you can't appreciate that sort of beauty, it's truly a sad thing.
Another made up title
To be honest, this painting was hanging right next to the Almeh, and I couldn't properly take my eyes off of one to take a good look at the other. So... I simply made up a title -- like the man pictured, I couldn't take my eyes off of her either. It is, however, the conclusion of the Najd Collection. I shall leave you all alone about it now xD
Sorrowful Woman of Ischia
An Oil on Canvas, it was painted by Louis-Leopold Robert in 1822 in Rome.
I was particularly moved by the desolate posture as she leans against the stone, looking out the window as if by looking she could bring them back; the redness around her eyes, and the grief in her face only enhances how tragic this depiction is. The babe, curled up in her arms, unaware that his father may or may not return, really twists my heart.
Waterfall at Mont-Dore
Painted in 1818, it is an oil on canvas by a french painter by the name of Achille-Etna Michallon. What struck me about this painting was the sheer scope of it all. I imagined myself those little people stacking up against the ferocity of that waterfall. I give them credit.
Oedipus and the Sphinx
I know I spelled Oedipus wrong, but after redoing 65 pictures I couldn't be bothered to go back and fix it. -sighs- However, aside from the bad angle of the photo (there were a bunch of people huddled underneath that refused to move --- they didn't speak english, or spanish, and I can't communicate outside of those languages >_>) I loved how powerful that sphinx looked, though it was so small in comparison. It is an oil on canvas and the painting represents the moment when Oedipus confronts the winged monster outside Thebes and must solve her riddle to save his life as well as those of the besieged Thebans. Hopefully you know the story of Oedipus... if not...start researching. Now.
Massacre of the Innocents
Navez was a Belgian student of Jacques-Louis David in Paris. In 1816, David sought political asylum in Brussels, and Navez returned with him to work closely with his former master. Navez' style fuses David's naturalism and the idealization on Ingres, whom he also admired. This work presents the Massacre of the Innocents as an intimate family drama, whose "frightening realism" struck critics. This made me really sad -- how horrifyingly vivid and personalized this moment in history became in this one painting. If you look out the window you can see the chaos that is going outside -- the reason for the mother clamping her hand over the child's mouth to keep it from crying out.
Study Head of a Woman
"Study Head of a Woman" is the actual title, but I can't just say that and feel happy with it. I saw this painting from across the entire room, and it just lit up my heart. It was painted by Jean Baptiste Grueze, and is actually an Oil on Wood painting; Grueze was known for his imploring female protagonists and while this painting was not necessarily used for a purpose, it still was so ... beautiful to me. In her expression I see the world she lived in: hard and cruel -- her perseverance tastes harsh but she won't be giving up. If she's not a mother, she's a daughter, an aunt, a sister.
Madame Marsollier and her Daughter
An oil on canvas, painted by Jean Marc Nattier, it was painted in 1749 and is a portrait of Madame Marsollier and her daughter. Madame Marsollier, the daughter of a minor functionary at court, was married, beneath her station, to a Parisian textile merchant whose shop was in the ru Saint-Honore. Her husband later bought her a title and, because she was as vain and ambitious as she was beautiful, she came to be called "the velvet duchess". "Madame..." is the true title but it I felt the Velvet Duchess suited her tastes much better.
The Gypsy and the Noble
To be honest I'm not sure if this is actually the title. There were two sets of paintings that had the same concept and I might've gotten them mixed up. Either way -- there is this painting which caught my eye due to the vivid detail on the old gypsy's face. I realized, quickly how idiotic this poor noble man was; he's demanding his money back for the fortune she gave him that didn't suit his tastes -- and she, darling thing, is more than willing to give it back as her accomplices rob him blind. Apparently it was a popular theme in paintings at the time.
Burning of the Trojan Fleet
The story is always so one-sided -- how the Greeks come and completely overrun Trojan beaches, temples and eventually come in and destroy their city. Trojans are always depicted as a people filled with hubris "Troy's walls will never fall!" and they do, their babies screaming as they're thrown from the city walls, women screaming as they're raped and Aeneas running away to find a new home. In this painting, it is Troy which is taking action: women are burning their own ships to keep the Greeks from using them; it is Troy which is suddenly depicted as protecting their home, not simply standing idly by, placing their hopes and dreams behind one general. I love the expressions on the women's faces.
the Rape of Tamar
Alright. Gr. My photo is gone. I have no idea what happened to it but the story, and the imagery was such that I couldn't just leave it out. Meh. An oil on canvas, painted in 1640 it's a heartbreaking story. The subject of the picture, previously identified as Tarquin and Lucretia, seems rather to show Tamar being raped by her brother, Amnon. According to II Samuel 13:1-22, Amnon, a son of David, fell in love with his sister Tamar. With a friend he conceived of a ruse whereby he feigned illness and requested his sister attend him. When alone, he turned on her and raped her. Overcome with revulsion for what he had done, he then had her expulsed from the bedchamber. Their brother, Absalom, discovered the deed and had Amnon slain.
BIG BAMBU
It is an exhibit that's opened up til mid-august. If you're near New York City, you should definitely go and see it! The monumental bamboo structure, ultimately measuring 100 feet long, 50 feet wide, and 50 feet high, takes the form of a cresting wave that bridges realms of sculpture, architecture, and performance. I couldn't take the tour of the actual structure since the tickets were sold out, but I hung out at the Roof Garden Cafe with my pina colada taking pictures of everything. I think the whole thing is utterly fantastic!
These next photos are statues in the Greek courtyard -- they only had titles and are all grounded in mythology, so I figured no point in explaining them. I took different angles of some of them simply because I love taking photos. The Roman noblewoman Lucretia committed suicide following her rape by Tarquinus Sextus. Andromeda was chained to a rock to be devoured by the sea monster. The table with the three children is a cosmological allegory best described in the sculptors own words "Stretched out upon the plane of the world is Cupid, God of Generation, sustaining and watching over the symbolic genius of dissolute wealth without virtue, who snores in his sleep, dreaming of past diversions in pleasure. Left to himself, the Genius of ambitious rectitude in work sleeps the agitated sleep of misfortune and glory.... his head extending beyond the periphery of the world."
Next we went to see the European Armory which is pretty neat ^^'
The Temple of Dendur is one of my favorite Exhibits of all time. I've always had a hardcore obsession with Egyptian history and mythology; the evolution of their pharaohs had always been so intriguing -- how these people have somehow managed to have one of the largest empires once upon a time, and then just fold up and get swallowed by the sand. Modern Egypt doesn't hold a candle to the majesty of it's predecessors. The Temple of Dendur has been part of the Metropolitan museum since I could ever remember: in the late 1800's it was marked and cut up by catholic missionaries who were going to turn the pagan building into a church, but never did. In the front of it there's this insignia dedicating the building to Christ. The whole building is full of hieroglyphics and writing, and graffiti, spanning thousand of years. Every time I go see it, I always get chills.
So yeah. The mini-biased tour of the Metropolitan museum. We only went to a quarter of the museum since I was with the elderly -makes faces- oh well.
Oh and some catholic architecture for your viewing...pleasure...
Orpheus & Eurydice
Sculpted by August Rodin, it was originally modeled for The Gates of Hell, where it was apparently intended to illustrate a poem from Baudelaire's Les Fleurs du Mal. This group was abandoned by Rodin in the final version of The Gates but given a second existence under the present Title.
Pygmalion & Galatea
Also sculpted by Rodin, this imagery was taken from Book X of Ovid's Metamorphoses; it relates the story of the misogynist Pygmalion, who falls in love with an ivory statue of a maiden he himself has carved. The goddess Venus transforms the figure into living flesh, and Pygmalion marries the perfect maiden, Galatea. Rodin's sculpture depicts the moment when the sculptor sees the first stirrings of life in his creation.
Eve
This statue was modeled in 1881; bronze cast in 1910. The figures of Eve and Adam were not original to Rodin's plan for the Gates of Hell, and they vanished from The Gates quite early in it's evolution. The meaning is evident: on one side, the Machelangeles Adam, the first man, slowly and reluctantly comes to life; on the other, EVE, in her shame represents mankind's fall from grace.
Theseus slaying the Centaur
Sculpted by Antoine-Louis Barye, it was modeled in 1849; bronze was cast about 1867. Barye's thorough grounding in classical prototypes is evident in this highly charged representation of an incident from the battle between the Lapiths and the Centaurs described in Book XII of Ovid's Metamorphoses.
Untitled
Well it definitely had a title, I just don't remember it and couldn't think of one that suits it. The picture I took is rather shitty because the room was unnaturally dark and flash is prohibited (for good reason). In person this painting comes to life; by simply looking at it, I could feel as if I were in that hallway, looking out toward the balcony. Despite the usual climate, you can almost feel the cool breeze of this early early morning.
Another piece I forgot about
I believe it's actually called "the Jewish quarter in Constantine" but I could be mistaken. Either way I wasn't certain so I just put whatever on the picture. I, personally, love this subject -- which you will notice since the Najd Collection is one of my favorites ever. It is an oil on canvas, which the usual for the Collection; I believe the painters were actually french.
Before the Audience
This one struck me. It is yet another of the Najd Collection <3 but what got me most about this painting in particular is the utter realism and the blending of colors. I took a closer picture of the cat for two reasons: I love cats, and I thought it was beautifully done, but also because of the man's foot. It's an odd thing to notice, but it's the little nuances of a painting that separate good from great. His feet are filthy. I love it. ^^' The details are so minute it's just... mind-blowing that someone would be able to have that in their mind while they paint.
The Almeh
Yet another in the Najd Collection, it is, by far, one of my favorites. Perhaps you've seen her floating around the internet, but the ignorance of what it is, is astounding. She's utterly beautiful, as sultry as the world painted around her. If you can't appreciate that sort of beauty, it's truly a sad thing.
Another made up title
To be honest, this painting was hanging right next to the Almeh, and I couldn't properly take my eyes off of one to take a good look at the other. So... I simply made up a title -- like the man pictured, I couldn't take my eyes off of her either. It is, however, the conclusion of the Najd Collection. I shall leave you all alone about it now xD
Sorrowful Woman of Ischia
An Oil on Canvas, it was painted by Louis-Leopold Robert in 1822 in Rome.
I was particularly moved by the desolate posture as she leans against the stone, looking out the window as if by looking she could bring them back; the redness around her eyes, and the grief in her face only enhances how tragic this depiction is. The babe, curled up in her arms, unaware that his father may or may not return, really twists my heart.
Waterfall at Mont-Dore
Painted in 1818, it is an oil on canvas by a french painter by the name of Achille-Etna Michallon. What struck me about this painting was the sheer scope of it all. I imagined myself those little people stacking up against the ferocity of that waterfall. I give them credit.
Oedipus and the Sphinx
I know I spelled Oedipus wrong, but after redoing 65 pictures I couldn't be bothered to go back and fix it. -sighs- However, aside from the bad angle of the photo (there were a bunch of people huddled underneath that refused to move --- they didn't speak english, or spanish, and I can't communicate outside of those languages >_>) I loved how powerful that sphinx looked, though it was so small in comparison. It is an oil on canvas and the painting represents the moment when Oedipus confronts the winged monster outside Thebes and must solve her riddle to save his life as well as those of the besieged Thebans. Hopefully you know the story of Oedipus... if not...start researching. Now.
Massacre of the Innocents
Navez was a Belgian student of Jacques-Louis David in Paris. In 1816, David sought political asylum in Brussels, and Navez returned with him to work closely with his former master. Navez' style fuses David's naturalism and the idealization on Ingres, whom he also admired. This work presents the Massacre of the Innocents as an intimate family drama, whose "frightening realism" struck critics. This made me really sad -- how horrifyingly vivid and personalized this moment in history became in this one painting. If you look out the window you can see the chaos that is going outside -- the reason for the mother clamping her hand over the child's mouth to keep it from crying out.
Study Head of a Woman
"Study Head of a Woman" is the actual title, but I can't just say that and feel happy with it. I saw this painting from across the entire room, and it just lit up my heart. It was painted by Jean Baptiste Grueze, and is actually an Oil on Wood painting; Grueze was known for his imploring female protagonists and while this painting was not necessarily used for a purpose, it still was so ... beautiful to me. In her expression I see the world she lived in: hard and cruel -- her perseverance tastes harsh but she won't be giving up. If she's not a mother, she's a daughter, an aunt, a sister.
Madame Marsollier and her Daughter
An oil on canvas, painted by Jean Marc Nattier, it was painted in 1749 and is a portrait of Madame Marsollier and her daughter. Madame Marsollier, the daughter of a minor functionary at court, was married, beneath her station, to a Parisian textile merchant whose shop was in the ru Saint-Honore. Her husband later bought her a title and, because she was as vain and ambitious as she was beautiful, she came to be called "the velvet duchess". "Madame..." is the true title but it I felt the Velvet Duchess suited her tastes much better.
The Gypsy and the Noble
To be honest I'm not sure if this is actually the title. There were two sets of paintings that had the same concept and I might've gotten them mixed up. Either way -- there is this painting which caught my eye due to the vivid detail on the old gypsy's face. I realized, quickly how idiotic this poor noble man was; he's demanding his money back for the fortune she gave him that didn't suit his tastes -- and she, darling thing, is more than willing to give it back as her accomplices rob him blind. Apparently it was a popular theme in paintings at the time.
Burning of the Trojan Fleet
The story is always so one-sided -- how the Greeks come and completely overrun Trojan beaches, temples and eventually come in and destroy their city. Trojans are always depicted as a people filled with hubris "Troy's walls will never fall!" and they do, their babies screaming as they're thrown from the city walls, women screaming as they're raped and Aeneas running away to find a new home. In this painting, it is Troy which is taking action: women are burning their own ships to keep the Greeks from using them; it is Troy which is suddenly depicted as protecting their home, not simply standing idly by, placing their hopes and dreams behind one general. I love the expressions on the women's faces.
the Rape of Tamar
Alright. Gr. My photo is gone. I have no idea what happened to it but the story, and the imagery was such that I couldn't just leave it out. Meh. An oil on canvas, painted in 1640 it's a heartbreaking story. The subject of the picture, previously identified as Tarquin and Lucretia, seems rather to show Tamar being raped by her brother, Amnon. According to II Samuel 13:1-22, Amnon, a son of David, fell in love with his sister Tamar. With a friend he conceived of a ruse whereby he feigned illness and requested his sister attend him. When alone, he turned on her and raped her. Overcome with revulsion for what he had done, he then had her expulsed from the bedchamber. Their brother, Absalom, discovered the deed and had Amnon slain.
BIG BAMBU
It is an exhibit that's opened up til mid-august. If you're near New York City, you should definitely go and see it! The monumental bamboo structure, ultimately measuring 100 feet long, 50 feet wide, and 50 feet high, takes the form of a cresting wave that bridges realms of sculpture, architecture, and performance. I couldn't take the tour of the actual structure since the tickets were sold out, but I hung out at the Roof Garden Cafe with my pina colada taking pictures of everything. I think the whole thing is utterly fantastic!
These next photos are statues in the Greek courtyard -- they only had titles and are all grounded in mythology, so I figured no point in explaining them. I took different angles of some of them simply because I love taking photos. The Roman noblewoman Lucretia committed suicide following her rape by Tarquinus Sextus. Andromeda was chained to a rock to be devoured by the sea monster. The table with the three children is a cosmological allegory best described in the sculptors own words "Stretched out upon the plane of the world is Cupid, God of Generation, sustaining and watching over the symbolic genius of dissolute wealth without virtue, who snores in his sleep, dreaming of past diversions in pleasure. Left to himself, the Genius of ambitious rectitude in work sleeps the agitated sleep of misfortune and glory.... his head extending beyond the periphery of the world."
Next we went to see the European Armory which is pretty neat ^^'
The Temple of Dendur is one of my favorite Exhibits of all time. I've always had a hardcore obsession with Egyptian history and mythology; the evolution of their pharaohs had always been so intriguing -- how these people have somehow managed to have one of the largest empires once upon a time, and then just fold up and get swallowed by the sand. Modern Egypt doesn't hold a candle to the majesty of it's predecessors. The Temple of Dendur has been part of the Metropolitan museum since I could ever remember: in the late 1800's it was marked and cut up by catholic missionaries who were going to turn the pagan building into a church, but never did. In the front of it there's this insignia dedicating the building to Christ. The whole building is full of hieroglyphics and writing, and graffiti, spanning thousand of years. Every time I go see it, I always get chills.
So yeah. The mini-biased tour of the Metropolitan museum. We only went to a quarter of the museum since I was with the elderly -makes faces- oh well.
Oh and some catholic architecture for your viewing...pleasure...