Yesterday, I drove over to Ft. Worth to see the current exhibit of Caravaggio's art (and that of his followers) at the Kimbell Art Museum. The exhibit is leaving Sunday, so I had to go now or never. Anyway, it was pretty amazing. When I see art like this, I'm blown away by the ability of the artist to create such stunning work, and I stand and gaze and gaze in wonder (and sometimes worry the guards b/c I get so close trying to see and figure out how it was done ^v^). And I wonder how on earth this artist achieved such detail, such intensity, such drama, how he said so very much with the strokes of his brush. And I wonder what motivated him -- was he born with an overwhelming love of art and an imperative to create that was impossible to ignore? I've known a few people like that, but very very few. I knew very little about this artist before I went, but I learned that he earned little respect from the art world's 'authorities & experts' until the 19th century. Supposedly, up until that point, his work was dismissed as vulgar & carnal -- guess it was dismissed by folks much like those who dissed the Impressionists' beautiful work (among others) over the years. I have to say that most of his work is not the sort I would personally choose to hang in my home (like I could ^v^) mostly because of the subject matter which is not very pleasant for the most part (lots of saints being martyred, etc.), but there's no denying he was a great artist and viewing his work certainly did leave me feeling very happy that I'd decided to drive over and see this exhibit before it's gone.
And speaking of art (or supernatural incomprehensible genius), have you seen this Sistine Chapel website? You can pan the entire chapel, zoom in and out -- it's incredible & well . . . words fail me. Yesterday, I viewed it on a friend's new Mac with a 27" monitor, and it's not quite the same (at all!) on the monitor of my 5 year old Dell laptop, but still . . . absolutely incredible.
Probably the best known image from the Sistine Chapel, you think? Anyway, if you have a couple of minutes (or hours), hop over and take a look - awe inspiring indeed.
Happy Weekend!
♥ ♥ ♥
G
ETA: As you might be able to see, I've been tinkering with my blog the last few days and accidentally lost my former layout -- quel nightmare! Anyhoo, I think I've finally gotten it to kind of where it was before (if I only had a brain ^v^), but now it looks a bit like it's shouting at you, doesn't it? Oh well . . . I'll keep trying.
10 sprinkles of fairy dust:
Oh what a wonderful thing to do! I love art, but seldom get a chance to go to art museums. Paintings are so very different "in person" than on the screen, aren't they? I've been to the Sistine Chapel's site... simply awesome!
Such a cute blog you have! I love the home emphasis, the crafts, the food, the cute decorations. Lovely! Also, the colors in that first painting are so beautiful -- the red really draws me in. It sounds like it was a neat exhibit.
Thanks for sharing.. the web site is amazing! x
a marvelous moment to spend.
In France we day "Caravage", and it's a particular tim to see his creativity in Le Louvres..."les noces de Cana"
Theres a kick up the proverbial for me too. Me that is trying to be an artist and havent been to a proper art gallery in years. Another to add to the resolutions.
How lucky you were to see such works and thanks for sharing, your pictures were excellent in quality.
What a beautiful site, thank you for sharing. The first time I went there was in January of 1970. There was me, my friend and one other lone man in the chapel and we wandered forever. The next time I went was in June of '96 and there were hundreds of people and we waited in line for hours and given a limit of how much time we could be there. This site will be wonderful!
I am sorry I missed this exhibit. I am such a hermit...I really need to work on that. I saw on the news that they had their millionth visitor today and she won a lifetime membership and something else I can't remember. I thought that was neat.
your blog looks great to me! What a gorgeous web site! Hope your new year is off to a wonderful start! Happy Days to you!
can't wait to pop over to that website (art history major here---a gazillion years ago, though!!!!) (Not quite Caravaggio's contemporary!!!)
What a perfect way to spend the day! I've often wondered what drives the artist too... A bit of a mystery. Why some people are born with that passion or talent or in some lucky cases both... Anyhoo, fantastic post & your blog looks cozy, pretty, & as inviting as always!!
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