Hello, Athena, goddess of war and wisdom. Or is that Artemis, goddess of the hunt and archery? Did I mention we did a brisk speedwalk through the museum??? Does anyone know who this is?
Basically, I'd rather have art in front of my eyes than chocolate in my mouth. And that...is...a big deal.
I started with the armor and medieval period. No particular reason...I was texting a mother about a classroom party taking place as soon as I returned and you know what happens when you walk and text: mayhem.
I thought the display of the mounted knights was brilliant. Talk about animating the ghosts of the past. It gives me shivers even now.
Once I awoke from my texting-fog-mayhem, we headed directly to the Egyptian wing. Did you know I've had a nearly-life-long obsession with Egyptian archaeology? It's a mild obsession so don't ask me any hard questions. But if you dangle an Amelia Peabody novel (by Elizabeth Peters) in front of me, I won't be able to concentrate on anything else. And I will love you for it.
This is the gorgeous, stunning atrium display of Egyptian themes, notice the gorgeous calm water essential to ancient Egyptian passage to the after life.
And while taking this photo below, I backed into a heavy, metal stand holding the velvet rope. Consequently, the loudest sound I've ever heard, like a gong, was reverbating through the peaceful atrium.
And then we emerged into a different atrium...the wing for Western art? It was gorgeous, giving the hall a sense of illumination and classical purity
Ladies, own your curves like that little duckie above. She is definitely no less beautiful than the emaciated images we are inundated with these days. Of course, she is made of exquisite white marble which could have something to do with it. Isn't it amazing how they manage to make images out of cold, hard marble look soft somehow?
This below was made of tiny mosaics.
Stained glass can be stunning.
I loved the recreations of various rooms throughout history in the museum. This below was, obviously, of a dining room. I can't remember the time period but I remember I had to take a photo. Really? Who wants to eat dinner with all those naked men standing around?
Below is Persus holding Medusa's head.
And a poor lady having wardrobe malfunctions while being harrassed by Cupid.
The detail on this basin drew me in. I love art done in relief and this had so much texture and depth.
I even saw some children visiting that day. It made me wonder if it might be something I would be able to enjoy with my children. You can never tell with those two!
While I missed them terribly, it was absolutely refreshing to enjoy the quiet and the beauty of the moment without having to explain what it is that I'm enjoying and why, how it was made, who made it, why that person made it, what the story behind it is, how the museum acquired the piece, how much explosives it would take to blow it up, the repercussions of that action and if handcuffs would be involved. Life is complicated with my children. Art, in all its depth and complexity, somehow seems simple in comparison.
