Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday 23 May 2021

Sunday Selections #534

 

 


Sunday Selections was originally brought to us by Kim, of Frogpondsrock, as an ongoing meme where participants could post previously unused photos languishing in their files.
 
Huge thanks to Cie who gave me this wonderful Sunday Selections image.
 
The meme was then continued by River at Drifting through life.  Sadly she has now stepped aside (though she will join us some weeks), and I have accepted the mantle. 
 
The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent.  Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to me. Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.
 

I usually run with a theme. I am taking you on another outing this week.  Our National Gallery is free - unless you want to go to a special exhibition.  Last week we went back to the gallery for the first time in far too long.

We went to see an exhibition brought to us from the National Gallery in London - Botticelli to Van Gogh.  Covid 19 meant that it was a ticketed, time and numbers limited event.  So we booked in and headed off.


Mary Magdalene by Giovanni Girolamo Savoidi.  How I admire the skill with which he depicted that flowing robe...



The Annunciation with Saint Emidus by Carlo Crivelli.  My ignorant self had not heard of the painter, and knows nothing about the Annunciation or Saint Emidus.

 


Portrait of a woman with a fan - by Frans Hals.  She looks very comfortably off doesn't she?

 

 Still life with lobster by Willem Claesz Heda.  Another artist I didn't know - and that is one BIG lobster.

Venice:  A regatta on the Grand Canal by Canaletto

 

The Infant Saint John with the lamb by Bartolome Esteban Murillo.  You can just about feel the softness of the lamb's wool can't you?

A peasant boy leaning on a sill by Bartolome Esteban Murillo.  My picky self thought that he was perhaps cleaner (though picturesquely ragged) than reality.

Ballet dancers by Edgar Degas.  This is not one of his works I can remember seeing before, but I didn't need the plaque to tell me whose work it was.

La Premiere sortie (At the theatre) by Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

Hillside in Provence by Paul Cezanne.  Another which was new to me.


 

And this was the ONLY Vincent Van Gogh in the exhibition.  He apparently painted four versions of this now famous work - and this was the only one that he liked enough to sign. 


A vase of flowers by Paul Gaugin.  Yet another I cannot remember seeing before.  I am so grateful for the generosity of the London National Gallery in sharing these works.

 

The water lily pond by Claude Monet.  One of my sisters in law has visited his garden - which fills me with envy.

Some of the paintings I loved and others were not to my taste.  It isn't the best exhibition I have seen at the National Gallery but I am very, very glad we went.

I was tired and brain dead by the time we had gone through this small area of the gallery but I am also going to show you some of the works we caught sight of on our way in.




 

These were part of a display which focused on Remembering.  Kathy Temin's memories might be soft, cuddly and comforting but some of mine are not.




I found this one really interesting - and have shown you the wall plaque as well.  Next visit, when I am hopefully less tired I will pay it more attention.

Finishing with a charming advertisement for the exhibition we went to see.


As always I picked up some bookmarks and a couple of cards in the gift shop as we went through it.  If you would like any of them let me know (and which one you would like).  First in, best dressed, and please send me your address if I don't already have it.






170 comments:

  1. I have seen a similar entry of The Annunciation with Saint Emidus, but not by this artist, also one with whom I'm not familiar. I also immediately knew all the Impressionists, and was sad that the only Van Gogh was the Sunflowers.

    I liked the installations with fuzzy cotton, and I really liked the wrecked cars painting. Looks like one of our junk yards. Great photos and a wonderful way to spend a day. So glad your museum is free.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bleubeard and Elizabeth: I always learn things when I come to the gallery - and am always filled with delight at well. I was very sad that there was only on Van Gogh on display and still mourn that he only sold one painting in his lifetime.

      Delete
    2. Had Theo (his brother) lived longer, I think more paintings would have been sold. I'm so glad Vincent's nephew took care of many of the paintings and created the Museum in Amsterdam. I hope to visit there some day.

      Delete
    3. Bleubeard and Elizabeth: You may well be right. However, knowing that he died in poverty and despair I cringe when I see the zillions of dollars any of his work to reach the market now can command.

      Delete
  2. Looks like a wonderful exhibition! I really love all the things you saw on your way out even more. I would like that giant lobster on my plate! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Martha: The National Art Gallery is a wonderful, wonderful place. We need to go more often. And keep promising ourselves that we will.

      Delete
  3. I think the painting that impressed me the most is eX de Medici. I'm inclined to think a bit like the artist.

    I'm glad that you had a nice visit at the National Gallery. The last time I visited an art gallery was in Glasgow Scotland in 2005. Actually we visited many museums and art galleries. Then life got a bit too busy.

    Enjoy the new week.
    Hugs, Julia

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Julia: I am seeing stories about eX de Medeci everywhere at the moment. I really liked that piece and would have liked to have spent more time with it - there was a class in front of it at the time. And yes, her thoughts about this work spoke loudly to me too.

      Delete
  4. The painter full gets my vote, I love exhibition.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bob Bushell: I am a big, big fan of artists - whatever their genre.

      Delete
  5. Mary Magdalene is a super fascinating character. Enjoyed the artworks all, I suspect the only way I'm going to be visiting museums this year will be through (your) photos and posts. Thank you.
    Yes, please!! to the card, would love one, if you mail them internationally?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nilanjana Bose: Of course I am happy to mail a card to you. Do you have any preferences? I will send you an email in a bit.

      Delete
  6. I took me a few minutes to find the American flag. I'm hoping Biden can prevent the crash of unregulated capitalism. Regulation is the answer.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mike: I am definitely in favour of regulation to rein capitalism in. I suspect the longer I looked at that work the more I would see.

      Delete
  7. These are really wonderful paintings to share, and to see in real life! I had seen :-)that Degas before, but the Monet was new to me, too. Thank you for sharing this eclectic array of art!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DJan: A lot of the exhibition felt like seeing old friends - but there were some new and wonderful introductions as well.

      Delete
  8. What a wonderful, special treat...thanks for sharing your visit with us. Another world was visited.

    I hope the week ahead is kind to you, EC...take good care. Cuddles to Jazz. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lee: It was a treat. This week is going to be busy and sometimes a bit ugly so thank you for your wishes. I hope that you and the furry overlords have a truly wonderful week.

      Delete
  9. They were not all to my taste either, but I sure enjoyed seeing them all! Every artist has their own way and feeling. Really enjoyed this post EC! Thank you! You know me, I love your little gifts from the gift shop. LOL! Big Hugs!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Magic Love Crow: I am sure that you would have a wonderful time in our National Gallery - as I would showing it to you. Hugs.

      Delete
    2. I'm still laughing with you saying, that's one big lobster! LOL! Big Hugs!

      Delete
    3. Magic Low Crow: It was though. A lobster who had been fed growth hormones?

      Delete
  10. El arte realmente es maravilloso y poder participar de una exposicion de artistas reconocidos mundialemnte lo es más aun. Me encantan todassssss... Van Gogh, Murillo me fascinaron siempre pero por supuesto todos son notables y cada uno en su estilo es un GRANDE. Me gustaron muchisimo las ultimas fotografias de murales y el automovil colorido. Es una entrada estupenda que nos deja por supuesto emocion y aprendizaje.Muchisimas gracias Hijo de elefante por esta hermosura
    Besos
    Feliz sabado!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. eli mendez: Many thanks. It was an incredible exhibition and we were delighted to see it. Stay well.

      Delete
  11. Beautiful art and we plan a visit to Canberra at one stage so will visit the gallery too.x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. aussie aNNie: The Gallery is well worth a visit. So is the museum, and questacon and the library...

      Delete
  12. The back end of that car is charming and that final painting is nice. I had a poster of Monet's pond on my wall at college ions ago. Not too well today. Hope you are rested and feeling okay since this excursion.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. e: I am so sorry you are having an off day and hope tomorrow is much, much better. I had a poster of Dali's Swans Reflecting Elephants when I was at college. I wonder what happened to it.

      Delete
  13. The luminosity of the cloak is amazing and I really like the Venetian regatta painting. Van Gough's sunflowers seem to pop up everywhere, pun not intended. If he painted the same work four times, I wonder if all four are in circulation. The car wrecking yard is brilliant.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Andrew: I wonder whether all of those Sunflowers are still in circulation - and whether the one he liked best attracts a bigger price?
      I loved this example of eX de Medicis work and will look out for more of it.

      Delete
  14. I like the two children paintings best.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne Noragon: Both have charm don't they? I 'think' my personal preference was for the Monet.

      Delete
  15. Hi! I have read all of your latest posts and replied like I usually do, but have been having some glitch with my phone. Some comments have posted and some have gone into the great beyond. Instead of going back to each blog and reposting my original comments (Like I could even remember what I said), I am taking the lazy way out and copying and pasting this to everyone.Be assured my responses have been their normal type. Choose one
    (a). sincere (b). pithy (c). vapid (d). sarcastic (e) encouraging (f) boring as usual.
    From now on I will comment only using the laptop. It is kinder to me!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anne in the kitchen: I wouldn't even attempt to read blogs using my phone, much less comment. I like your multiple choice selection but what happened to g)all of the above?

      Delete
  16. Fabulous paintings of things that are real. Modern art too often looks just like spilled paint to me. You are right about the softness of that lamb and perhaps that peasant boy has just had his once a year scrubbing?
    I do like that last two with the cars and other stuff all jumbled together.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. River: eX de Medici is a modern artist - but I do know what you mean about spilled paint. Some modern art strikes me that way too.

      Delete
  17. You've reminded me that the last time I went to a museum was year4s ago! I must rectify that asap! Love the Renoir.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. mshatch:I hope you can get out to a musuem/gallery again. Soon. We need to go again. And again.

      Delete
  18. All wonderful works, i would have stood in front of the Monet for a long, long time and not wanted to leave.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. messymimi: That Monet was glorious wasn't it?

      Delete
  19. When we lived in Belgium Monet's garden at Giverny was barely an hour away over the French border. One of my biggest regrets is that we never got there - OC working too long hours and me tethered to home with small children. The impressionists are my favorites....I never tire of them!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. molly: As I said in my response to an earlier comment one of my sisters in law has been to the garden at Giverny. I envy her, and wish I could have supplanted my brother who really wasn't interested.

      Delete
  20. Like the car at the end.
    Glad you were able to get into the exhibit. No restrictions here for those kinds of things anymore - we are wide open.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alex J. Cavanaugh: We are not yet wide open, and I am happy with that. Mostly.

      Delete
  21. How lucky you are to have had such glorious paintings on show in Canberra. I particularly like the Renoir, and I am a great fan of Canaletto; the Regatta on the Grand Canal is one of my favourites. I was lucky enough to see it in the National Gallery in London a few years ago. I am so looking forward to being able to travel again!!
    Thanks for posting these, EC, and have a good week :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alexia: The National Gallery is one of my favourite local outings and there was no way we were going to miss this exhibition. I hope you can travel again soon. First stop grandchildren I assume, but where after that?

      Delete
    2. Hmm - Scotland first - I loved having 2 weeks there in 2015, but didn't see everything I wanted to. I really want to explore the Hebrides, as the only islands I managed to get to last time were Skye and Orkney. Maybe Scandinavia after that.
      I can dream...

      Delete
    3. Alexia: I hope your dreams come true. We all NEED to dream.

      Delete
  22. Oh my gosh. An exhibition of the best of the best. How awesome.
    Have a great weekend filled with energy, good health and sparkle.
    Hugs

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sandra Cox: The National Gallery is always a joy, and the special exhibitions are the icing on the cake. Thank you for those wonderful wishes.

      Delete
  23. Hermosa exhibición adoro a Van Gough. Te mando un beso

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. J.P.Alexander: I do too and was a bit disappointed there was only one of his works on display. Thank you - and have a wonderful weekend.

      Delete
  24. That is a nicely painted car.
    Gorgeous exhibition and so wonderful to see even though it be on the internet.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Margaret D: I am so glad that we were able to see it 'in the flesh'. So very glad.

      Delete
  25. It's going to be a little longer before I can get myself out to a museum, so I am ever so grateful that you shared these works of art!
    Marty K

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. musicalsciencedoggies: We were lucky here. In my country and particularly in my city. Restrictions are easing and going to the gallery was a very welcome treat.

      Delete
  26. What a good idea to visit this museum ! you can spend weeks in there. I was several times there love the van Gogh sunflowers !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gattina: I didn't know you have visited my city. You are right, the gallery could easily occupy several weeks - and you still would not have seen it all.

      Delete
  27. Quadri tutti molto belli, il ragazzo al davanzale lo preferisco.
    Buona domenica

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Giancarlo: The peasant boy was charming wasn't he? Happy weekend to you.

      Delete
  28. Wonderful--- Lucky you!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Events such as this contribute so much to the cultural development of all who visit and the society to which they belong. I am quite confident that more exposure to beauty would enhance the conduct of a nation - sure beats roller derby and monster truck rallies!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. David M. Gascoigne: You will be shocked and surprised (not) to learn that you will get no arguments from me. And that I have no urge to go to the entertainments you mention in your final sentence. A bookmark?

      Delete
  30. Me alegro de que hayas podido visitar esta interesante exposición, del que me gustaría destacar, y espero que lo entiendas, lo dos cuadros del barroco, de mi paisano Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, pintor principal de la "Escuela sevillana", y del que tenemos muchos cuadros de él en iglesias y conventos, además también en el Museo de bellas Artes de Sevilla, donde tiene una gran sala dedicada a sus obras.
    También me han gustado mucho los cuadros de Renoir, Monet, Paul Gaugin y Frans Hals.
    En Sevilla también estamos desde hace aproximadamente un mes, pudiendo visitar museos y monumentos.
    Que tengas un buen día, y gracias por estar siempre ahí.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Manuel: Thank you so much. I really, really liked both of those paintings by your countryman and envy you being able to see more of his work.

      Delete
  31. Dear EC
    I loved this excursion into art - thank you for sharing. I remember some of these paintings from my occasional visits to the National Gallery in London. (One of my favourites there is the Wilton Diptych.) The Crivelli painting is one I seem to remember has a lot of symbolism in the objects he depicted. I am not all that fond of his work - I think his Madonnas have rather odd eyes. However, his skill is undeniable.
    Thank you so much for sharing.
    Have a good week.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ellie Foster: Galleries are wonderful places aren't they. I find that even works which are not to my taste open my eyes and expand my horizons. And you are so right about the skills on display.

      Delete
  32. Some awesome art. I've always like Still Life, so am partial to the big lobster, though it looks off sized with the rest of the items on the table. The first art piece with the flowing robe is wonderful. It really looks flowing. So many talented people!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sandy: I find it mind blowing that a large gallery (like our National Gallery) can be packed with thousands and thousands of works - and still be only a drop in the bucket at displaying creativity and talent.

      Delete
  33. I now remember what it’s like to visit a gallery museum. The little art museum in our town has been closed during COVID. I used to travel to San Diego, California to visit museums but haven’t done that In over 2 years. Glad you have art displays closer to you and doubly glad that you share your outings with us. Thank you.
    Have a restful, peaceful week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Myrna R.: I hope that your art museum opens again. Soon. We have a lot of galleries in my city, and I don't visit them often enough. Most of them are again (for the moment) open and I really need to get out more.

      Delete
  34. how lovely, it's been ages since I went to a museum, don't really live close to any to go, although supposedly in Atlanta they are going to have a living (kind of an experience type of thing ) exhibit featuring Van Gogh; I wouldn't mind going to a ballet if one was nearby, glad to see the exhibits via your blog

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Linda Starr: A living exhibit of Van Gogh? I would really, really like to see that.

      Delete
  35. The car was a nice touch for advertising the exhibit. Such beautiful paintings. I can see where you could spend hours there. Thank you for sharing these things that a lot of us will never be able to see in person. Your photos make me feel I'm there with you. Take care, feel better and have a wonderful week my friend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mason Canyon: I could happily spend hours and hours in the Gallery. And have done. And will again. I am an appreciator rather than a creator, and there is so much to appreciate here.

      Delete
  36. Wow! To be able to see these treasures up close and personal must have been amazing, and that advertisement is totally fun. That card with the lobster, and the bookmark with the lady in the white collar is really nice. Hope you're doing well, and sending lots of hugs, RO

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. RO: Would you like either that card or the bookmark? I would be very, very happy to send them to you.

      Delete
  37. Definitely not the intention, but Mary Magdalene looks kind of cozy in that robe.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John Wiswell: She did look to be snuggled into it didn't she?

      Delete
  38. What a great exhibit. Love the impressionists especially!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Marie Smith: I have a very soft spot for the impressionists as well.

      Delete
  39. Los de Murillo, los he visitado en el Museo, aquí en España.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. VENTANA DE FOTO: How lucky you are to have seen Murillo's work. He is a master isn't he?

      Delete
  40. Of all those artworks, I like the wrecking yard two the most.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Strayer: That is an impressive piece isn't it? An unlikely subject and fascinating.

      Delete
  41. Wow, those are so cool. I haven't seen anything like that in person before.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mary Kirkland: The gallery has some impressive special exhibitions but is also permanent home to rather a lot of wondrous things.

      Delete
  42. Very informative for a non-artsy person like me. I do love Art but have only heard and seen pieces by Van Gough and Monet. I like the detail in the Annuaciation. I agree that the peasant boy on the still is a bit too polished but it is well painted cos he looks so realistic and adorable. Remembering is kind of different, look like mushrooms and snow scapes. The sunflower painting on the car will be a eye catcher on the roads.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Beau Bo: Welcome and thank you. I learn things each and every time I go to this (or any other) gallery. And marvel at the skill of the creators. Polished is the perfect description of that boy on the sill. Too polished perhaps.

      Delete
  43. I am so jealous of your adventures hered. Such tremendous talent gets revealed in brush strokes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Susan Kane: I am endlessly envious of artist's skill - and grateful to them in equal measure.

      Delete
  44. I love the tour of the museum. I don't live near a big city, but we have a large number of artists here in the mountains. YOu take such great pictures. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glenda Beall: We are lucky. My city has (as well as the National Gallery) a wealth of places to see and admire art. And I do.

      Delete
  45. Hi EC – sorry came on and saw the wonderful photos you’ve given us – and realised I needed to check out the artists … some of them I know – others to be looked into. But my connectivity is just awful.
    Heda’s lobster is stunning isn’t it … if it hasn’t gone I’d be delighted to be sent the card … I’m going to explore all the artists, when I’ve posted this comment. Your note on Dali’s ‘Swans Reflecting Elephants’ I want to look into – one of Dali’s works came to my attention via a friend’s visit to the St Petersburg, Florida museum where many of Dali’s works are on show.
    eX De Medici is a local artist (for you) – she is a fascinating modern artist … I’d love to read and see more of her – so look forward to that post.
    You’ve given us lots to think about … what a delightful post this is – thank you … I’m seriously debating going to London to see two outdoor exhibitions … sort of hedging my bets … also the railway linear lands are very pretty at this time of year, particularly this year – as we’ve had lots of rain and it’s been cold, holding things in place for longer – though the extra light brings things on.
    Going tomorrow to Standen an Arts and Craft House, which I’ve been looking forward to visit … and I’ll visit our local Towner Museum …
    Better switch off – but this was delightful … and I so enjoyed all your art works shown – were you allowed to take photos? I have to say – I prefer to take photos to remind myself more easily of things I’ve seen. I do get the guide books, more often than not.
    Thanks and I do hope you’re feeling easier … with hugs and thoughts - Hilary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: Thank you for battling woeful connectivity to leave such a comment. You put me to shame though. I should (as you do) have included links. I hope you can get to London to see those exhibitions. So much I hope it.
      And enjoy the Arts and Craft House. And the Towner Museum. It sounds as if you have oodles of exciting places to explore.
      The Gallery does now allow us to take photos - and I am grateful.
      And yes, I can send you the lobster. I will try and make one trip to the post office and will send them later this week - or early next.

      Delete
    2. Brilliant about the Lobster ... and thank you for making a special trip ... when you're ready. I have some to send you - perhaps this time I'll get around to it ... being lazy or slothful more likely.
      Today has dawned brightish without cold showers down here I think ... Standen here we come.
      Early mornings seem ok for connectivity - and yesterday was ok ... I just have to adapt - frustrating it is.
      No worries re the links ... I just wanted to check out the artists ... and I will. Cheers Hilary

      Delete
    3. Hilary Melton-Butcher: I hope that as I type my reply you have been to Standen - and it was wonderful. And that your connectivity issues fade.

      Delete
  46. You are a genius at capturing our attention and filling our souls with beauty.

    ReplyDelete
  47. You are so lucky to have such a nice gallery. Ours is nice, too, but the European section is not as good as yours. Love the Venetian and Ballet Dancers paintings.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. gigi-hawaii: Many of the paintings shown in this post are on loan to our gallery. I am so grateful for the generosity of the London Gallery in sharing them.

      Delete
  48. Thanks for this wonderful post. I was astonished at how many artists I recognized just by looking at the paintings. Those entrance sculptures looked like snow to me :)

    XO
    WWW

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wisewebwoman: Some of the artists I knew and recognised their style and their subject. The Cezanne was new to me, and I didn't immediately pick it as 'his'. I was glad to see it though.

      Delete
  49. I haven’t gone to a gallery for over a year now. Perhaps in a couple of months we will be allowed to do so.
    So much beauty and talent to be appreciated…
    Thank you for the tour!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Caterina: We haven't been in far too long either - and were very glad to go back. It has been too long. I hope you can get out and about again. Soon.

      Delete
  50. The National Art Gallery is truly a wonderful experience. To see in real life paintings one has seen only in pictures before is indescribable. You will never forget this and it is wonderful that you could see it at home on OZ.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Blog Fodder: It really was amazing. Inter country/inter Gallery loans have enriched my world. Immeasurably. We will always make time to see these 'special' exhibitions - and have never regretted it.

      Delete
  51. I love the car with all the sunflowers on it. Anything with sunflowers on it in my book is superb! Anything with flowers on it superb! Okay, so I love nature...animals, plants, rocks, trees, lakes, rivers, etc, etc. I've even been known to love a cloud or two.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mildred Ratched: I share your love. And love clouds too, though grey days without rain (which we so often need badly) make me grumpy.

      Delete
  52. The paintings and images are very amazing, hope you enjoyed your time outside after a while in doors regards.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Steve: Our restrictions here have been very minor, but I did love my time at the gallery.

      Delete
  53. Dear EC, one of the great blessing of life is the creativity that visual artists and musical artists and wordsmith artists and all artists share with us. A life devoid of art seems to me so bland. And yet, Helen Keller saw no paintings, but I bet that music spoke to her the way these paintings speak to you. And words, they too, woke wonder in her.

    Like you, I'd never seen a reproduction of that Gaugin. So lovely. Thank you, as always, for sharing this special day with us. Peace.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dee: Artists, whatever their genre, blow me away. In my eyes at least nature is the very best of artists, with an amazing palette and superb galleries.

      Delete
    2. Dee: Peace to you too. Now and always.

      Delete
  54. Loved this post and all the paintings.
    Just so pleased you went and could share such lovely photographs.

    What are we without art, music, books!

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Thank you. My life would be seriously diminished without art.

      Delete
  55. Thanks for sharing these paintings with us, EC. I know it sounds strange but I am always drawn as much to the frames chosen for paintings or pictures as the pictures themselves. By the way, the boy in the seventh photo looks amazingly similar to my elder grandson, and would appear to be about the same age. I get that jolt of recognition every time I look at it. Very strange!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. jenny_o: I notice the frames too. And some of them are works of art in themselves.
      How amazing that the peasant boy is so like your elder grandson. I hope you can share the image with his parents...

      Delete
  56. Botticelli is one of my faves. I have not seen an exhibit in a long time. I've seen some really good ones though! Perhaps sometime soon I will get to see some more. Glad you shared yours here.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. mail4rosey: I hope that you can see exhibitions again. Soon.

      Delete
  57. I've always loved The Lily Pond and The Ballet Dancers. They are both so light and delicate.
    It's kind of you to share the art memorabilia with friends.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sandra Cox: I am a big, big fan of Degas and Monet's work too. I am also very glad to be able to make small steps to repay the kindness that so many people (you included) from the blogosphere have shown to me.

      Delete
  58. Wonderful to see paintings by the old masters, and fascinating to see the newer exhibits. I also think you are very kind to share the postcards. I have a large collection here also, so if you would like me to send you one let me know.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DeniseinVA: Thank you so much. I am more often drawn to the work of the older artists, but really like eX de Medici's work. I am going to have to explore further.

      Delete
  59. Dear E.C.! Exhibition is great! My favourite one is portrait of woman with a fan. Thats perfect. Thanks for review

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. bread&salt: I am so glad that you enjoyed this small sub set from the exhibition. Brilliant artists, amazing work.

      Delete
  60. Oh how I would've loved to have visited the gallery too, dearest Sue...these paintings are absolutely stunning!😊😊
    I have never been to a gallery of fine art. Another item on my bucket list!😉
    Thank you so, so much for sharing these stunning pictures...I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing them!!

    Hope you're having a good day, my dear friend.

    Sending you much love and hugs ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ygraine: If ever you get the chance to go to a gallery, take the opportunity. I strongly suspect you would love it.
      I do hope this round of chemotherapy is treating you gently. Many soft hugs and oceans of caring to you. Always.

      Delete
  61. Some gorgeous paintings. What a nice outing!

    ReplyDelete
  62. That car is a charming advertisement indeed.
    Hope your day is wondrous.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sandra Cox: That car really interested me. It had number plates from another state - and the exhibition isn't going to that state.

      Delete
  63. Replies
    1. all types recepies and desert: So many of them were very beautiful indeed.

      Delete
  64. The exhibition sounds wonderful! I know most of those paintings from my four years of Art History in university; but seeing them in person would be much better than photos, I'm sure.

    The fluffy mushrooms made me laugh! Some memories are remarkably like mushrooms, emerging from dark places we'd rather not revisit; but those memories are generally not the cute fluffy sort.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane Henders: You are soooo right about the fluffy mushrooms. And yes, it was MUCH better to see paintings in the flesh than on a screen. Covid number restrictions had some pluses too.

      Delete
  65. Wow! Just wow! I can't even sketch a stick figure. The peasant boy looks like he's leaning out of the frame. Amazing! I understand what you mean about the fluffy memories. Perhaps we can put them on the clouds and let them float away? Thank you for sharing, these are so lovely!

    Elsie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Elsie Amata: Like you, drawing is not in my skill set. At all. I suspect that some of my 'fluffy' memories would tear the cloud to shreds. Bury them?

      Delete
  66. The exhibition sounds fascinating. I would have loved to see it in person.

    Happy Friday!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Veronica Lee: Welcome and thank you. It was a good exhibition and the gallery is packed with amazing things.

      Delete
  67. Visiting Monet's garden....Wouldn't that be wondrous?
    I hope you are feeling well today.
    Hugs

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sandra Cox: That is a garden I would LOVE to see. Even in the company of rather a lot of tourists.
      Have a wonderful day and weekend.

      Delete
  68. Is she Hasidic, Amish, Quaker, Puritan? We'll go with "comfortably off." You're so good with words, EC. I always appreciate your descriptions.

    Continued refuah shlemah.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rawknrobyn: Comfortably off sounds better than 'filthy rich' doesn't it? I suspect for her times the latter was probably true. And thank you.

      Delete
  69. At 148, I don't have much chance, but if you still have a VanGogh I would love it. We haven't talked in such a long time. How are you doing and how is your husband. I remember when he was going through such a hard time years back ... boy our lives get so cluttered. Have you been able to get your vaccinations? We have fortunately. My daughter has had her first and my "Granddaughter finally can get her first tomorrow. Soon we will be some version of safe. That is my hope for you ... that you are safe and well. Drop me a line sometime and bring me up to date. As for your Art Display ... I went through all of them and read your comments then I clicked to enlarge and took a better look. I am in awe of such talent and such patience as well. I could never sit long enough to paint such detail. Oh my, but we are blessed to have such art to look at and admire. You are lucky to be close to a Gallery. I go to the Chicago Art Museum on occasion, but like you it has been awhile ... you have me thinking about going again soon. Stay safe, my friend.

    Andrea @ From the Sol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Andrea @From The Sol: I am sorry, but you are indeed too late for the cards and the bookmarks.
      Himself is doing much better on the health front (yay). I am struggling a bit but ok. I have had the first of my vaccinations and the second is booked in for July. I am always awed by skill and dedication of artists - and endlessly grateful to them too.

      Delete
  70. Replies
    1. aussie aNNie: Thank you. I hope yours is wonderful too.

      Delete
  71. I loved looking at those painting EC. I lingered over them so long that I'm a bit behind with my other work! Year ago I took my girls to a Renaissance exhibition at the Victorian art gallery. It was magical too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim: Art Galleries (and art more generally) are wonderful places to spend some time aren't they? I wonder whether you would have focused on different paintings if you had been at this exhibition with me? Mind you, I could have put up a MUCH longer post. Lots and lots of beauty.

      Delete
  72. I was saving this for Sunday, but I got greedy and gobbled it all up.

    I wish I could take mum to art galleries again, how she loves art. But she's in so much pain...her back. I've just had an idea...I can show her this! And your garden. She will thoroughly enjoy.

    Thank youuuuu!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. neena maiya (guyana gyal): Our galleries have wheelchairs available to rent. Would that help your mother? And thank you for that incredible compliment.

      Delete
  73. That first picture has another world feel to it, doesn't it?
    I'm wishing you a weekend filled with good health, good books, sparkle and happiness, my dear friend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sandra Cox: What wonderful wishes. Thank you. I hope the same for you.

      Delete
  74. very beautiful and artsy painting...it can tell story so much...and i really enjoy iy very much

    the car with sunflower pattern is so cute

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gustyanita Pratiwi: Thank you. I do love our National Gallery.

      Delete
  75. Lovely, thanks for this post. I think every painting speaks differently. Especially like the Van Gogh piece.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Purple Assassin: Thank you. I am a big, big fan of Van Gogh too.

      Delete
  76. Such a wonderful visit, you have such a good knowledge base of the artists.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ann Bennett: It really was wonderful. Art is yet another subject where I know snippets, and also know just how much more there is to learn...

      Delete
  77. I love visiting museums and checking out different pieces. I find I only have so much time before I get burnt out because there is always so much to see! But- I love getting to look at and appreciate different pieces and the work that went into them. I didn't know that about Van Gogh and that famous work. :) The bicycle piece looks fascinating. Thanks for sharing.
    ~Jess

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DMS ~Jess: I so understand that burn out. My eyes and my brain get overwhelmed. Just the same I am endlessly grateful that we have this wonderful gallery close enough to visit often.

      Delete