What a wonderful post to wake up to on this cold dark morning with so many terrible things hanging over us! Thanks so much. I love wandering in nearly empty museums. Did you know that the National Gallery in DC has the only Da Vinci in the Western world? I find it much more appealing than the Mona Lisa and you can stand and look at it and its reverse side for as long as you like, with only the occasional fellow traveler.
And as for the rivers of Europe--so fascinating that they are basically all tamed today. Makes for good river cruises and lots less flooding, but so fascinating to think of what they used to be like. I read a book a while ago called The Seine: The River that Made Paris by Elaine Sciolino. Didn't love it but very interesting in making you think of how rivers made the places we love to visit.
Dear Marjorie, So happy to hear from you and so glad you enjoyed the post! We met another lovely group of people on this Viking Cruise and thought fondly of you and our other friends from the Egypt trip. Thanks so much for your comments~!
Thank you for this brief tour through the Kunstmuseum. I liked the painting of the orphans most. The little vignettes hidden within it. Each fact is a study of childhood hope and fear. The little boy climbing his shoulders reminds me of my rambunctious grandson who is eager to learn and explore the world.
What a wonderful trek through an incredible gallery, David. Thank you! I knew Odysseus was imprisoned on an island but did not remember by who. I'll have to find out what happened ):
What really happened: Instead of going home like good boys after the Trojan War, Ulysses and the boys decided to go for a raid. WHen they got home this is the story they told, when in reality they had just been whoring around, acting like pigs.
Right. I read the book Circe by Madeline Miller and it really helped me understand his travels and travails more. Also Elizabeth Bobrick’s “This Won’t End Well” Substack is really great.
You’ll love Circe. Plus Miller’s written other books, I hear, that are really good (sorry can’t recall names right now). You’ll love Eliz Bobrick. She’s incredible. Takes you through the plays - one step at a time. She’s just finishing up Oedipus. (whew).
Thank you for that Odysseus! Such an unusual representation. I didn't think this scene had been a topic before the preraphaelites.
So glad it resonated with you Ines. I was really taken by the metaphorical “brain-like” rock and imagery.
What a wonderful post to wake up to on this cold dark morning with so many terrible things hanging over us! Thanks so much. I love wandering in nearly empty museums. Did you know that the National Gallery in DC has the only Da Vinci in the Western world? I find it much more appealing than the Mona Lisa and you can stand and look at it and its reverse side for as long as you like, with only the occasional fellow traveler.
And as for the rivers of Europe--so fascinating that they are basically all tamed today. Makes for good river cruises and lots less flooding, but so fascinating to think of what they used to be like. I read a book a while ago called The Seine: The River that Made Paris by Elaine Sciolino. Didn't love it but very interesting in making you think of how rivers made the places we love to visit.
Thanks for your post!
Dear Marjorie, So happy to hear from you and so glad you enjoyed the post! We met another lovely group of people on this Viking Cruise and thought fondly of you and our other friends from the Egypt trip. Thanks so much for your comments~!
Thank you for this brief tour through the Kunstmuseum. I liked the painting of the orphans most. The little vignettes hidden within it. Each fact is a study of childhood hope and fear. The little boy climbing his shoulders reminds me of my rambunctious grandson who is eager to learn and explore the world.
What a wonderful trek through an incredible gallery, David. Thank you! I knew Odysseus was imprisoned on an island but did not remember by who. I'll have to find out what happened ):
What really happened: Instead of going home like good boys after the Trojan War, Ulysses and the boys decided to go for a raid. WHen they got home this is the story they told, when in reality they had just been whoring around, acting like pigs.
Cut to the chase, haha!
Thanks Jeanine. Odysseus = Ulysses. Circe turned the crew into pigs as I recall. Homer is really deep. There are levels we seldom understand.
Right. I read the book Circe by Madeline Miller and it really helped me understand his travels and travails more. Also Elizabeth Bobrick’s “This Won’t End Well” Substack is really great.
Wow, Ok, I haven’t read any of those. Thanks~!
Of course Miller takes poetic license but it’s a neat insight.
You’ll love Circe. Plus Miller’s written other books, I hear, that are really good (sorry can’t recall names right now). You’ll love Eliz Bobrick. She’s incredible. Takes you through the plays - one step at a time. She’s just finishing up Oedipus. (whew).
There is a reason they are recognized as master artist. The detail in the paintings is almost unbelievable.
Glad you enjoyed it Paul.