The Knights of Columbus Museum was founded in New Haven in 1882. Knights of Columbus is the largest Catholic fraternal organization in the world.
I actually stopped here during my one hour lunch today. I had Donald Adams the front desk service help me around. He showed me around and gave me some history on Knights of Columbus. He did mentioned that I should come again with more time and he can arrange a tour for me. He was great and so helpful!
I fell for this beautiful Cross below. Oh my goodness! So beautiful in person.
Crosses/Crucifixes #41 Alter Crucifix Jerusalem, mother of pearl abalone and olivewood Circa 2000 "The beginning and the end" The base contains the "navity" and the top is the "crucifixion"
THIS IS A HUGE DOLL HOUSE TO MY NIECE! It's adorable.
New Haven Christmas 1882 St. Mary's Church Hill House Avenue Birth place of Knights of Columbus
Fifth Outing
“The Metropolitan Museum”
December 13, 2008
I schedule two events this day, the museum and my annual Christmas dinner with friends. I had made plans to meet with friends for dinner atfter my visit to The Metropolitan Museum. This place was beautiful and enormous. It was very busy this day too. Among the crowd here, I was able to see the Annual Christmas Tree! The beautiful ornaments of porcelain angels and the lighting around tree was so bright that it brought life to this tree. Unfortunately my feet were killing me because I just purchased new boots and I didn't think in bringing my sneakers with me, dummy me. Overall I had a wonderful experience! I was able to manage my walks through the Modern Art Galleries, the Greek and Roman Art, Medieval Art and Egyptian Art to which all exhibitions were absolutely fascinating. Here I am in the Egyptian Art Exhibition and most of this work were actually embedded in the wall. It was so awesome to see in person!
I have to take some more time for this Museum, there so much more to see. I took a couple of hours before meeting with friends but it just wasn't enough. I could not stop bragging about this place over dinner. I scolded my friends because they only live 15-20 minutes away and they hardly step into this place. My family got to see the pictures and my son was overwhelmed. He has an upcoming essay on Egypt and I am bringing him here to take photos. What a trea!
I am currently studying the Book of "Daniel" and I just had to take these pictures for my bible class. OMG, they are going to enjoy these. This stones refer to history of Daniel and King Darius and even Alexander the Great.
Relief: Two Servants Bearing Food and Drink
Made out of Limestone
Southwestern Iran, excavated at Persepolis
Archemenid period, reign of Artaxerxes III
358-338 B.C.
Harvis Brisbane Dick Fund 1934
34.158
“New Britain Museum of American Art” December 7, 2008
This picture came out horrible! Angel, my fiance, took this picture three times and I could not get the right lighting. I hope this is visible. My trip to Yale British Center was very nice and I arrived there at 4pm. I only had an hour. This week was extremely hectic with working late and just trying to get time in for this visit. What I noticed was that this museum compared to the Yale Art Museum was a bit different. The facility had a very modern and contemporary look to it. The lighting fixtures were dim too. A bit too dark for me I have to say. However, I fell in love with the floors and concrete walls of this Museum. The front Desk receptionist was by herself and she was so kind to briefly go over the rules with me. Her name was Elisa and she went over the map, floors and where not to take pictures. I have to say it was pretty cold in the lobby too!
The Yale Bristish Center was built in 1974 by Louis Kahn, the architect. This museum has over 2000 paintings and 100 sculptures. Its not as big as Yale Art Museum but its just as pretty and cozy. I had trouble with my pictures, and I really thought I captured them all but I didn't. I hope you are able to see on this painting what I captured.
Although my time was short, and to add I was not feeling well this day too. I manage to stick this out for an hour. With body aches, I was still able to get drawn into this beautiful painting above. This painting took a hold of my heart. It complete captured my attention when I saw this little girl leaning over who I think is her father that just died. A solider who was at war and lost his life. All she could do is lean on him with sadness and to the obvious she looked tired of crying so much. The way she held on to his clothes as if its the only thing she will have to remember him. This painting is an oil on canvas. I love the faded white and the coat bright contrast colors. To my eyesight, the soft white on this painting show signs of pale, death. The bright colors on the clothing shows sign of hope, life that this child is holding to. I noticed the soldier (this child father) legs how stretched out they were, as if he was holding on to pain and/or his last breath. I also noticed his face turned to the right so that his little girl would not see him leave this earth. This artist must be drawn to our soldiers that go to war. To my surprise, after researching the above, I was completey off! This so awesome to be able to write your own feelings and then come back to compare. This painting is reallly a little French girl accidently wounded by a stray shot. She rests on an ancient knights tomb, draped in a French military uniform while the battle rages through the window. This artist work was on a mannerist and realistic style . He also focused on detail, composition and clarity. Wow, I am emotionally driven.
Third Outing
“New Britain Museum of American Art”
November 20, 2008
I arrived at the Museum at 6:52 p.m. My fiance took this picture of me! He actually went up the stairs and took it facing down. When I looked at this picture it completely left me in awe! However the feeling you get in person is completely different, out of this world. I walked into the Museum and was right away greeted by the front visitor/guest services team. Melanie and Jenna were extremely helpful. I was charged for the price of one, because they were closing within the hour. I received my sticker that said "Where Art Meets Life" and I began my tour. This Museum has over 5,000 works of art dating from the 18th century to the present day. I did not know that every year they offer a "Docent Tours at The Metropolitan Museum of Art NYC Holiday Lights Riding" tour on Christmas Eve! This is great to know, for next year. This work above was created by the artist Lisa Hoke. This art is called the "The Gravity of Color". She is from New York City and has been commissioned to create a new installation for the NBMAA at the top of the LeWitt Staircase leading from the first to second floor of the Museum. She created this art with clear plastic cups coated with vibrantly colored paints. Just looking at the colors lifts your spirits up. This woman has talent. I am so mad at myself for not coming sooner, having family around the block. I can't wait to take my kids! You must see this in person!
Frank C. Bensing (1893-1983)
"Lydia's Just A Mite Taller"
This artist above was very successful in diversement for large companies like Coca-Cola and General Electric. This artist was blind on one eye. Looking at this painting I can't believe that he was blind yet did such remarkable job. The fine detals, body sketches, nose, eyes, this takes TWO EYES to do this. I can imagine the strain on this artist eye. The colors used here are so natural, so home. I have seen paintings, adverstisement similar to the above and always wondered who this painter was, amazing.
I also skimmed throught the handbags exihibit. These handbags were so beautiful! Designed by diamonds, emeralds, beads and so much more. There were from casual diamond bags to evening handbags. I was not allowed to take pictures. They had two security guards there too, keeping an eye on divas like myself, i'm being silly. I did enjoy this area alot.
Richard Munsell (1903-1963)
Rhoda , Oil/Canvas
"Melancholly Teenager"
The entire museum again was so full of many interesting paintings and it was so hard to choose which i liked the most. I admit this is my second choice of favorites. Richard's work were mainly portrait, figure and landscape. Its suggested that this teenager on this painting that someone may have taken advantage of her or about to encounter sexual act. On this painting I see a woman who is torn between life and self-esteem. She looks so tired of life and the acts around her. I see anger, confusion as well. I work with young teens today and some have been abused. I see my kids in this painting, I admit I got a little emotional. This painting tells so much!
Blume, Peter (1906-1992) Boulders of Avila, (1976)
Peter Blume was an artist that came from Russia in 1921. His work evolved toward realistic subject depiction, with surrealistic overtones. He designed murals on government buildings as well. He belonged to many memberships like American Academy of Arts and National Institute of Arts and letters. This painting was a study of the Boulders of Avila. This artist came from Russia as an immigrant to New York City. Just like everyone else trying to fit in, civilization! This painting shows me his way of fitting in America. Also what immediately caught my eyes was the solitude, a lonely man separating himself from the world. I have to say that the dimensions of the rocks truly are outstanding. The color selected to blend in these rocks, made them so real. I said myself what a place in this artist mind, somewhere I would like to be right now. To get away and relax, to also be accepted in this society. To the artist his getaway is his work, his mind full of art/creativity. To those who see his work is finding hope, peace, tranquility.
First Outing “Yale University Art Gallery” November 11, 2008
My visit at the Yale University Art Gallery was on November 11, 2008 @3:45p.m.My visit was short but sweet.The front desk and/or visitor services were extremely helpful. The front desk employee’s name is Bryne.A docent was not available but they were kind of enough to hand me a map-guide of the museum.I noticed that the security guard on the first floor seemed a bit protective and ancy, as if he just had two cups of espresso.That made me a little uncomfortable. Put that aside, I really love all the religious paintings on this floor.I am seeking to improve in my theology classes (and different religions) and viewing the different paintings that addressed some part of the bible’s histories, completely caught my attention.They were so detailed, fine print, full of life and history.My fiancée came with me and he absolutely enjoyed it as well.I have to admit that I did not have a great camera with me.I was forced to use an old camera that did not capture all the pictures that I wanted to share. Therefore all the several pictures I took were not that great.Until I was able to purchase a new digital camera, I figured I can manage with what I had, that didn’t work to my advantage. I walked on through the first floor and what immediately caught my eyes was the Painting of “Submersion of Pharaohs Army in the Red Sea”, this unknown artist did a remarkable job. The detail on this picture were so intriguing, so vivid.The men in the water, drowning, trying to hold on to each other, was just so biblical. I mean even the horses did not survive. This painting was a woodcut printed from twelve blocks, just sampling amazing.This painting was created on 1513. As I went along with my tour, on the second floor, and there saw the “Jimoh Buraimoh” art work (Oshogho, Osun, Nigeria, born 1943).What I saw were beautiful colorful birds, made of plywood, glass beads, oil paint and string. The colors were so vibrant. On the Second floor this Security Guard named Kim, was extremely helpful.She told me how much she enjoys working the second floor; she loves the African tribe art work. The museum’s floors were shinning, waxed nicely that you can actually eat from it, that’s how clean they were. The third floor was also a vivid area.The painting “The Lamentations”, was created by a unknown artist, the brass work on this piece, truly makes you wonder what was on this artist mind. So vivid.
The artist Lucas Cranach was born in 1472. His birth name was Franconian. His Cranach’s father was also an artist and it is believed that his father was his first teacher. Although the exact date of his appointment is not known, by April, 1505, Cranach was employed at the court of Friedrich the Wise, Elector of Saxony, at Wittenberg. By the looks of this painting, Lucas Cranach seems very close to the Christian world. I’m assuming after losing his son it brought him to a point of closeness to God, probably through his painting. In addition to his religious works he produced other varieties like mythological and secular subjects, probably intended for courtly patrons. Cranach was also an excellent portraitist. For most of his life Cranach lived in Wittenberg in Saxony. Numerous documents testify to Cranach's industry and prosperity. He owned several houses, a publishing firm that specialized in Reformation literature and on several occasions served on the city council and as burgomaster. In 1547 when Johann Friedrich was taken prisoner by Charles V, Cranach joined him in exile in Augsburg and Innsbruck, and in 1552 followed him to Weimar where Johann Friedrich re-established the Saxon court. Lucas Cranach died in 1553 at the age of eighty-one.
Second Outing
“The Wadsworth Antheneum Museum”
November 15, 2008
My visit at The Wadsworth Antheneum was on November 15, 2008 @11:37 a.m.It was a pouring raining day.It was also very cold, and my umbrella broke to add to my day.I was completely soaked but was determined to stay and see this beautiful place.I walked over to the security guard station and spoke with Awilda DeJesus. I made a new friend, because we realized we have the same last name.We began to talk about Puerto Rico and where she came from. She then informs me that she has never been to a museum like this in Puerto Rico. I shared with that there is beuatiful museum she can visit in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Several years ago I got a chance to visit (during my vacation) the most beautiful museum called “el museo de arte”.She is traveling soon and she said she’s stopping there on her vacation.Anna, the front desk receptionist/guest service charged me $5 and told me where I could take pictures. She also gave me a map/guide of the Museum. They were so friendly and kind that they told me I could sit near heaters to dry up, too funny.
I love this picture; the water pool and its monument. I sat there a brief moment and watched others relax and read their books. There was a couple who came from Germany and I had them take this picture of me.I love this art work, statue, of children (what seems to me) leaning on this woman. Reminds me of my two children who are teens today and continue to lean on me like this.
I admit I was starving when I arrived, but the Russell Café looked pretty busy and I did not want to take too much time eating. However the café was very nice and I will be coming back with my family to enjoy the Museum and the cafe. I love curry chicken and what better time to have it during my second visit at Wadsworth. For those who are visiting again, please feel free to view the link below (this is their menu). http://www.wadsworthatheneum.org/pdfs/the_russell_at_the_wadsworth_atheneum_menu.pdf
I thought giving my own tour was going to be difficult but the end result was that I really enjoyed it and it wasn’t so bad. I will be coming back with my family and with more time to do the tour. As I walked through the first floor I glanced at the "reflection and shadow" art work (see below). What drew me to this painting was the vibrant, solace, rainbow, three dimensional colors. I am also a frame collector so I fell in love with the frame and this art was perfect with it. The Vase de Bourges “Blue Vase” (Japanese Vase, 1897-1898) and the Vase Antique Chinois “Red Vase” were a treat to see. They were made of hard paste porcelain. The vases seem so fragile so delicate yet so beautiful. These also brought back memories. I have an aunt who collects vases from all areas and I know she would have loved this fine piece of art. The detail on these vases, were so pretty. If I had to choose, I would pick the sky blue vase, sky blue is one of my favorite colors. The floral, yellow faded in daisies were so detailed on these vases.
On this same floor I walked into “The Goodwin Reception Room” created in 1874. The reception room was also Major James Goodwin’s house in Hartford, CT.The ceiling in this place was a fine detailed art work that it would take days to see the end of it.I looked up and just stood there with a numb feeling on how in the world this artist's mind can come up with such beautiful work. Further down, there was another exhibition called “What Lies Beneath Revealing Painters Secret”. According to my notes I took at the Museum, the Art Historians, study of the work, were based on primarily on Stylistic Findings.Today Art Historians work together to further study and connoisseurship (someone with expertise and/or training, especially in the fine arts). In the Mid 1990 term “Technical Art History” was coined to reflect the use and scope of modern technology for his purpose. “What Lies Beneath” is a small exhibition that will examine and interpret under-images of paintings from the collection, using x-radiography and infrared imaging from the perspective of both conservator and curator see link below.
This painting below caught my attention.On the left hand side is the original and on the right hand side is the infrared image.What a difference!Bernard van Orley is the artist of the below called “Crucifixion”. You can actually see that there was something missing (i.e hidden under drawings, artist changing mind soldiers behind the cross, etc). I was able to make use of the audio tour (via phone). This was awesome too and so helpful. Bernard van Orley was a painter, draughtsman, a leading designer of tapestries and stained glass. He also belonged to a group of painters from the Romanism school of painting.He became famous as a designer of tapestries design. In 1520 he began to concentration his work on tapestries design. The art movement on this painting was the Northern Renaissance. He was commissioned in 1515 to paint this painting for the Confraternity of the Holy CrossFurnes. This painting has great meaning. The death of Jesus, John the Baptist in prayer, The two Mary’s weeping and grieving and those who betrayed him just standing there and watching him die. I love every single art work in this Museum, but this one I have to say touch my heart.I stood there for a few minutes and just glared and even teared. My thoughts that came to mind were that this artist is a genius. He knew every detail according to the bible. I am emotionally driven because onething is to read the bible and the other is to actually see in front of you.On the infrared you can see some fog, and almost storms like weather. That’s what I was looking for because according to biblical readings and history there was a fog and storm like weather.I am always touched by paintings like these; and extremely grateful, in simply knowing that ONE MAN, who we call Jesus, paid such a price for someone like me!
Bernard van Orley (Flemish Brussel, 1487–1541) The Crucifixion, 1515-20 Oil Paint The Ella Gallup Sumner and Mary Catlin Sumner Collection Fund 1939.429
Welcome to my Blog! I am looking forward to sharing my experiences (and visits) of the museums chosen. Please view below Top 6 musuem, that I will be visiting during this Mod 2. Please feel free to email me if you should have any questions on my blogs.
I am also looking forward to chatting with my new friends who simply enjoy sharing their experiences of this class.
I am mother of two teens (daughter 14 and son 16). I currently work in the Health Insurance Industry. I just bought a home in Hamden area. I'm not too far from my Bachelors Degree. I also teach salsa/etc dance on side, whenever I have time (mostly on weekends). I am a Youth Coordinator as well, and simply love working with teens.
Crosses/Crucifixes #41
New Haven Christmas 1882
Crosses/Crucifixes #41
New Haven Christmas 1882
