The Metropolotan Museum of Art

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The Metropolotan Museum of Art


The Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met) was wonderful. There was so many people today. I could not believe it. All kinds of people, speaking many different languages. Vendor, ice-cream trucks, nut makers my eyes were all over the place. The outside , which you can see, it is the first picture shown, is beautiful and very large. Todays events include family programs, guided tours and member events. All of this, and I am still in the libby!! When we entered I was in Amazement, it is HUGE. I was pressed for time, so had to plan my visit around the museum. I spent most of my time 3.5 hours on the first floor and the mezzanine floor. The elevator has a person who brings you up and down, it was cool. The upper level was my favorite, it looks over the main floor. All those people walking, talking and learning, some people were sitting at table and some were drawing. This was a great way to start of my spring



When inside, the place is really big with all kinds of interesting features, high ceilings and beautiful floors. This museum is a special place. I pay and now I am inside the museum, and I do not know were to begin. There is so much to see.

I begin my journey on the first floor were a huge collection of Greek and Roman Art is displayed. I seem to relate a little better to this type of art because, even if you have never been to a museum in your life, you have seen something Greek. Even if it is just a pillar on a building you recognize the influence. The Greek Sculpture Court is impressive. I noticed other student having discussions, in detail pertaining to these fabulous sculpture. I was drown into their discussion because, I felt the same way but did not have anyone to tell. It is so funny how people can be given the same information but come to different conclusion.



The most interesting thing that I saw was in the "Etruscan Art." This part was beautiful! Located on the "M" level the mezzanine. There are glass box cubes, holding art work and information about the piece. There was a big glass box with a wonderful Chariot inside. A scene from the life of Achilles, of course Achilles is a Greek Hero (Trojan War). Also included was a bowl and a helmut of Achilles that was given to him by his mother. The Chariot is in such good condition, it is unbelievable. It is not large but, not small either. It is bronze in color with green and purture mixed in. Also Ivory is inlaid on certain parts, it is very beautiful. The Chariot was found near Monteleone di Spoleto in 1902, believed to be Etruscan second quarter of the 10th century B.C. A land owner working on his property made a great discovery.


There is so much to see. I was not able to see it all in the time I was their, but I will be going back to see the rest. This is now my favorite Museum surpassing the Atheneum, leaving them in the dust.




The Yale Art Gallery

My first visit was to The Yale Art Gallery. Without pictures it is hard for me to explain to impact this place had on me. I have been past this gallery lots of times and had never gone inside, it was great. My whole family accompanied me. The Yale Art Gallery was founded in 1832, is one of the oldest college art museums in the world. The permanent collection showcases artwork from twentieth century African, Chinese paintings from the Tang dynasty, modernist sculpture, American paintings and decorative arts and many more. The most interesting thing I saw was a mask, yes a mask. This was no ordinary mask, it was beautiful. It was very large (80 pounds) and had an exaggerated head and breasts. I took this to mean Strength in Nurture of a Woman. This particular mask was said to represent a beautiful mother, used during weddings, funerals or any major events. The funny thing about the ceremonies is that men wear these masks because they are so heavy. The masks are by Charles B. Benenson, B.A. 1933, Mouya Congo (Kinshasa) late 19th early 20th century.




The Wadaworth Atheneum


The Wadsworth Atheneum, Hartford, Ct. was a great day. This place was emaculate inside. The people were nice, friendly and helpful. The lady at the front desk said to me "are you a student", I love that, she was sharply dressed and pleasant. The museum was organized and clean. On this day I visited a symphony was playing, it was very relaxing. The music was beautiful along with the art. After browsing around, I was drawn back to two particular piece of art. The first piece was called "Baggage" and second called "Peasant Girl."



"Baggage" and the other was a painting "Peasant Girl."
My favorite was "Baggage" by, Emma Amosshe was born in Atlanta Ga. in 1938. Baggage 1193, is a part of an autobiographical series begun in the late 1980's. In these works, Emma Amos uses vintage photo-graphics of the rural south and her family history. Exploring issues of identity, sexism and systematic racial attitudes. She believes that "these issues have marginalized her and other African American artist from the Mainstream art world." When I looked at this art work many things came to mind. Nature, destruction, tragedy, hate, and hope. There are so many feelings you could go though when viewing this piece. I had many thoughts when viewing this and felt like discussing it further even after I left. I was lucky to have had the opportunity to see it in person.


My second favorite was a great painting named "Peasant Girl, Haiti 1954. This oil canvas painting by Lois Mailou Jones was beautiful and had such great colors. Jones was born in Boston, Ma. 1905-1998, I thought this piece deserved and "honorable mention."