Monday, May 23, 2011

Venus with a Nymph and Satyr, 1600

This marvelous 500-year old statue stands on a pedestal above a shallow pool in the Avery Court of the Wadsworth Atheneum.  I often take a picture of labels, to remind me about the details when it comes time to post an image.  Instead of paraphrasing from this label myself, you can read for yourselves by clicking to enlarge it.
I visited the Wadsworth recently, in part to see the Monet "Water Lilies" exhibition before it leaves Hartford in mid-June.  Photography is normally permitted throughout the museum, so long as no flash is used, but unfortunately the Monet "Water Lilies" exhibition prohibits photographs.
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25 comments:

  1. BookMay 23, 2011 at 7:01 AM

    I wish I could be there :)

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  2. Genie -- Paris and BeyondMay 23, 2011 at 7:11 AM

    Interesting that at the time it was considered too erotic for Harvard... This is a very interesting story and this exquisite piece has been well-traveled... how fortunate that she has found a secure resting place in such elegant surroundings.

    Glad you got to see the Monet exhibit

    Bises,
    Genie

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  3. LowellMay 23, 2011 at 7:19 AM

    And who said New Englanders are prudish and uptight? Not me. They are really "earthy" folks. I mean they'll even erect sexy statues that have been buried in the ground!

    It is quite beautiful, too!

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  4. KateMay 23, 2011 at 7:41 AM

    The environment for this marvelous statue is indeed elegant, spare and simple to keep the eye on the sculpture. Too erotic for Harvard...very amusing since our culture has evolved in a slightly different tolerant direction.

    Lucky you to have this wonderful museum. Mr. Austin certainly was clever in purchasing this exceptional sculpture.

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  5. brattcatMay 23, 2011 at 7:48 AM

    Perhaps Mr. Brattcat and I should try to get down to Hartford before the Monet exhibit moves out.

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  6. Dave-CostaRicaDailyPhoto.comMay 23, 2011 at 8:54 AM

    In addition to the statue, your photo today illustrates that deep colored walls shows off art better than white walls. Julie and applied this principle in our Scottsdale house, with many of the walls Asian red or eggplant.

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  7. SharonMay 23, 2011 at 9:50 AM

    This looks like a wonderful museum! I love the way that statue is displayed.

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  8. VirginiaMay 23, 2011 at 10:02 AM

    I always laugh when I take my camera to the B'ham Museum of Art. I have to sign in, get a sticker for my camera...yada yada yada. At the Louvre, take it in, no problem, just don't use a flash. I"ve found that with the traveling exhibits, museums won't allow photography. I was allowed in to take a few quick ones for PR purposes when we had a lovely kimono exhibit pass through. I got lucky! :)
    V

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  9. PerthDailyPhotoMay 23, 2011 at 10:18 AM

    What a very interesting history these statues have, thanks Jack, really enjoyed reading that!!

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  10. MalyssMay 23, 2011 at 10:19 AM

    The soft color on the walls makes the statue looks even more beautyful..The Monet exhibition is making a tour around a world, and it's a happyness to see that everywhere, people love it!

    PS: about your question: My husband has a job which obliges him to travel a lot all through Europe.During a long time, I could not go with, having to take care of kids; Kids grew up...:o); I don't go each time, but who could resist visiting Iceland? I dreamed of it since years!

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  11. RandyMay 23, 2011 at 10:25 AM

    Love the close up.

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  12. lizziviggiMay 23, 2011 at 10:27 AM

    I love the composition of the first shot-- both the depth of perspective and getting to see the museum staff worker. I can't decide if it would be amazing to work at an art museum or really, really boring.

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  13. Sylvia KMay 23, 2011 at 11:25 AM

    Fantastic captures of such a gorgeous sculpture and she has indeed found a perfect place! Terrific composition in the first shot! I'm so glad you got to see the Monet exhibit, Jack! I'm envious!! Have a great day!

    Sylvia

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  14. JanetMay 23, 2011 at 11:54 AM

    Do glad they allowed your camera!

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  15. KarlMay 23, 2011 at 11:59 AM

    Great shot Jack, I love the sculpture and the flowers in the foreground.

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  16. SRQMay 23, 2011 at 12:03 PM

    Let's conduct an experiment...offer this piece to the Harvard Museum and see what they do in this day and age. Love that top shot. Nice lighting and composition.

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  17. RedPatMay 23, 2011 at 1:30 PM

    She has aged well. I too was struck by the colour of the walls - no institutional gallery white there!

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  18. LoisMay 23, 2011 at 3:13 PM

    It looks so beautiful! I do the same thing with the labels. It comes in handy since I can't trust my memory any more.

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  19. cieldequimperMay 23, 2011 at 3:42 PM

    Most exhibitions do which is strange because it's usually allowed to photograph the same works when they are at home in their respective museums...

    Yes, this is gorgeous, so perfectly typical of the days when Italy ruled Europe culturally.

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  20. BirdmanMay 23, 2011 at 4:20 PM

    Looks like a nice spot to sit and contemplate.

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  21. MichelleMay 23, 2011 at 5:34 PM

    So very beautiful. And such emotion in this!

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  22. Regina KMay 23, 2011 at 8:20 PM

    The sculpture in the top photo is framed so nicely and the colors are just beautiful. I know the pain of not being able to take photos in the Water Lilies.

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  23. CindyMay 24, 2011 at 6:19 AM

    Nice composition, and I love the colors in these shots. The white looks blue... beautiful.

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  24. Cezar and LéiaMay 24, 2011 at 9:36 AM

    wow She is ADORABLE!
    Your first shot is amazing, perfect and creative composition!
    Léia :)

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  25. VPMay 25, 2011 at 5:14 AM

    An interesting story for a wonderful work!

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