As we walked to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the skies opened up, drenching us all. Touring the Met wet, is an experience I'll never forget. While I must reiterate that I am not one for experimental and "abstract" art, I was fascinated by several exhibits. The galleries for Roman and Greek art were MAGNIFICENT! I loved all of the beautiful sculptures, and loaded my camera with dozens of their pictures. The European Sculpture Court was also outstanding! The immense windows and view of Central Park complimented this section beautifully. My favorite sculpture was Perseus with the head of Medusa. I couldn't decide which side of Perseus I liked most, so I took multiple photos from different angles. The security guard must have thought I was nuts... lol! The collection of French decorative art was also impressive."The French 18th century period rooms recreate the luxury and elegance of the reigns of Louis XV and XVI" (BG, p.337). As I walked through, I imagined myself in the Palace at Versailles. This collection was enchanting! Although I loved many exhibits at the Met, it was the Egyptian Collection that enthralled me! In my opinion, this is the prime attraction of the museum. As we entered the gallery, we met the large sphinx who lays guarding the Temple of Dendur, an amazing gargantuan sandstone structure. I stood there captivated by it's magnificence. Standing by the reflecting pool, Erin, Jackie, and I pondered over how many tons it weighed, and what a combination of brain and braun its construction required. We then entered the gallery that housed the "art of the dead"(BG). These Egyptian artifacts brought their ancient culture to life."Ancient Egyptians provided for their future with unrivaled diligence, setting aside the favorite possessions of the deceased and artistically recreating the minutiae of their daily lives to be enjoyed beyond the grave" (BG, p.342). Their religious ritual of mummification and perceptions of life after death are greatly intriguing. The Met website includes images and provides detailed information about their collection.
http://www.metmuseum.org/explore/newegypt/htm/a_index.htm
If I had to pick a "favorite"painter I'd pick Mark Rothko. Not because I find his work extraordinary, but because the holistic nurse in me believes that color can have a profound and healing effect on human beings. Color summons energy, and Rothko's art evokes strong emotions. My least favorite painter was Lucian Freud. I'd rather not be too critical, so I will only say that his work is demented. I think Katie put it best when she said "this is what nightmares are made of!"
Our next stop was Grand Central Terminal. "The station covers three city blocks, from 42nd to 45th Sts between Vanderbilt and Madison Aves, and beneath it are electric power facilities, steam, water, sewage, and electric mains, and loops of track where trains can turn around without backing out of the station" (BG, p.229). The interior was nice, the celestial depiction on the ceiling was cool. The dining area below the main concourse was AWESOME! I had Indian food, mango juice, and a delectable Magnolia Bakery cupcake....bring on the rainstorm! We were off to the New York Public Library. Just a short walk from Grand Central, we arrived quickly. We were met by the two famous 100 year old marble lions named Patience and Fortitude. "Called 'New York’s most lovable public sculpture' by architecture critic Paul Goldberger, the Lions have witnessed countless parades and been adorned with holly wreaths during the winter holidays and magnificent floral wreaths in springtime. They have been bedecked in top hats, graduation caps, Mets and Yankee caps, and more. They have been photographed alongside countless tourists, replicated as bookends, caricatured in cartoons, and illustrated in numerous children’s books. One even served as the hiding place for the cowardly lion in the motion picture The Wiz" http://www.nypl.org/help/about-nypl/library-lions. Just inside the main entrance, we saw a mini lego lion. The replica was neat. With its prominent central location and majestic interior, it is easy to understand how it attracts a large number of visitors. The main reading room was packed! As I walked through, I tried very hard to not distract anyone. I found an awesome quote in-scripted over the reading room door. |
| "A good booke is the precious life blood of a master spirit embalmed and treasured up on purpose to a life beyond life." We stopped at St. Patrick's Cathedral after leaving the library. It is the masterpiece of Archbishop John Hughes and American architect James Renwick (1879). It is "the seat of the Roman Archdiocese of New York, a famous city landmark and a symbol of the success in New York of its immigrant Irish Catholic population" ( BG, p. 254). I have visited this beautiful cathedral on many occasions, and the feeling of peace one experiences upon entering, is unparalleled.Those who can't visit in person are able to take a virtual tour: http://www.saintpatrickscathedral.org/ Tiffany & Co on 57th Street was spectacular! "It was founded by Charles L. Tiffany (1812-1902)" (BG, p. 272). The display cases contained resplendent jewelry. I could have spent the whole day there. The girls and I were gleaming like children in a candy store.   |
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