There are many paintings out there that I would not mind owning. The Starry Night, Adele Broch-Bauer I, a few of Monet's Water Lilies and maybe Degas' Bathers to name a few. All exceptionally beautiful pieces of art, all extremely valuable, all with their origins in the developments of the impressionism.
There are many paintings out there that I would not mind owning. The Starry Night, Adele Broch-Bauer I, a few of Monet’s Water Lilies and maybe Degas Bathers to name a few. All exceptionally beautiful pieces of art, all extremely valuable, all with their origins in the developments of the impressionism.
However, if I really had my choice, if I could really have ANY painting I wanted, if I could truly progress from the artistic to the literary level, I might go a slightly different way. I might instead opt for The Picture of Dorian Grey. I mean think about it. While all the above masterpieces are immortal, this is the only one that is actually directly linked to the life of one. And while all other start stays the same, or at least fall about and degrade in rather predictable ways, this one moves in much more dynamic ways, and there is really no telling which kind of degradation the image will suffer next? Additionally, what other piece of art really gives you bargaining power with an immortal? There is really something to be said for that kind of influence!
Of course, in this real world we live in, neither immortality or the paintings to control it is readily available. If they were, portrait paintings would certainly be doing brisker business, but it is an interesting thought.
I guess I might instead opt for a painting sure to get conversions started. The Mona Lisa, the Last Supper or maybe The Creation of Adam would all look great over my green IKEA couch. How is that for shock and awe. Nobody would have any clue what hit them once they entered the living room. “Yes, I know it used to be at the Louvre, but life is Paris is overrated anyway”.
I could of course also get around these intricacies by having art reproductions made of the Mona Lisa, The Last Supper or whatever else my impulsive mind can come up with. Trust me, I have and am still considering it. They would be less sensitive that the original, better able to resist a bit of cigarette smoke and some flashes, and definitely be more sensitive to my personal finances.
But it still leaves me with choices to make. Because what would actually be my preferred motive, when everything is possible. With immortality and billionaire collections denied, what would I actually prefer to put on my wall.
The answer is: “it depends on the room”. While Klimt’s The Virgin would do great in my bedroom, I might not want it anywhere else. And while The Bathers might be cool in the bathroom, they would not fit in my kitchen. On the other hand some still life could probably fit both the kitchen and living room – especially if it contained apples.
Such are the many choices and I am working on it. Of course I am also working on becoming an instant billionaire, a date with Paris Hilton and quitting my job at the first given opportunity. But at least it is a first step. Lets see if I ever make it beyond that.
Metropolitan Art in Motion: A Cultural Odyssey
The allure of metropolitan areas for art aficionados often lies in the rich tapestry of cultural offerings, particularly the museums that house the world's artistic treasures. These urban centers boast an array of prestigious institutions, each with its own unique collections that beckon visitors from around the globe. From the Tate in London to the Louvre in Paris, the art world's grandeur is on full display. Yet, for those who seek an unparalleled museum experience, New York City stands as a cultural colossus, with the Metropolitan Museum of Art reigning supreme.
Thomas Cole and Titans Goblet
American painter Thomas Cole is best known for his detailed depictions of the American countryside, depicted in accordance with the tenets of Romanticism and Naturalism. As a founder of the Hudson River School, Cole was instrumental in this development and depiction of the American landscape. However, not all landscapes depicted by Cole were based on actual existing locations.
The Vagabond Prince
In the early 20th century, Paris was the center of the Avant-Garde art scene. Here, masters like Picasso and Matisse were practicing their crafts at the leading edge of artistic developments.
