My step-dad’s funeral was two days ago. We have to empty out the contents of his apartment by the end of the month, so there is not a lot of time to spare for work or play. Much like life, we have to grab it whilst we can. Yesterday, my mom and I took a much-needed mental health break at the Columbus Museum of Art. The short walk there and back provided us with a liberal dose of sunshine, which was a partial cure in and of itself to the stress of the last two weeks.
A sculpture and its shadow in front of the museum.
I was super excited to see the George Bellows exhibit, and it did not disappoint. Four large rooms are given over to the show, which runs until January 4, 2014. To read more about it, go here. Although his work encompassed so much more than the famous boxing images, standing in front of a few of those legendary canvases was extraordinary. I was also delighted to see a few copies of The Masses, for which Bellows supplied artwork, on display underneath a glass case. What an unexpected highlight!
Then, there was this:
Bathsheba, by Artemisia Gentileschi. Circa 1636.
Absolutely awe-inspiring in person!
An afternoon at the museum was a great reminder that art is good for the soul, and a further indication that life is slowly returning to normal.
“Try everything that can be done…Learn your own possibilities.”-George Bellows
A Small Press Life: Books. Art. Writing. Life. Tea. 
Your visit to the museum is also a confirmation that there is so much left in life to do and see and I am glad you spent that day with your mom. I have always admired George Bellows work – he painted snow so beautifully I could feel the cold of it. Artemisia suffered greatly at the hands of a teacher but she was such a beautiful painter. Carry on, dear maedez, and I will shortly share the names of more imaginary pets and you will like them.
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It was a lovely day. I bought a few things in the gift shop, too.
George Bellows is one of Columbus’ favourite sons. Born, raised, and educated here-he actually spent just a smidge over half of his brief life in the city, and often returned in later years. The CMA has the best Bellows collection in the world, and they borrowed even more works for this show. It is truly wonderful.
I am fascinated by Artemisia. She definitely suffered, but her art is fantastic.
I cannot wait to hear the names of more of your imaginary pets.
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I did not know that the CMA had the biggest collection but it only stands to reason. I will have to pull out some of my art history books and look for more of his work. Gentileschi was right up there with Caravaggio in every way except for his behavior. There were other women painters of that time who were as talented as the male artists but you don’t hear much about them – no surprise there actually. You said once that Zelda was every bit a beautiful writer but she is only a blip on the radar compared to her husband.
Ok, you may use these names if you like. I can imagine two pugs or two French bulldogs with these names: Basil (as in Basil Rathbone) and Peony.
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Yes, their collection is the best around! The breadth of his talent is stunning.
I love Artemisia, and have read about her life and work extensively. It was nice to be able to stand in front of one of her large works and just breathe it in.
I love Basil! Frenchies are my favourite dog, by the way, so the thought of one named Basil tickles me! Peony is cute as well, and I could see a cat named that (even though I know that you do not love cats!).
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Well, how about that – we like the same dog but of course I love all little dogs and some big ones like labs and retrievers. You are wrong, dear maedez, I do love cats! I seem to love all animals to excess and have a very soft heart for them. My husband rolls his eyes.
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I forgot. You only mildly dislike your son’s (?) cat. Totally not the same thing.
I have labs (well, we are down to one lab now) and I would be tickled if Duncan could have a Frenchie friend.
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I would like to like my son’s cat but it is demented. I just think writer’s need cats. However, screaming cockatiels would not be a good thing.
What a duo – a big lab and a little bulldog. No matter how small they all have dog ways.
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Oh, writers and cats are a classic combo, aren’t they?
Cats, yes! Dogs, yes! Bunnies, perhaps. I draw the line at birds and fish.
I think a lab and bulldog would be the cutest combination. I can dream, and keep my fingers crossed. We only adopt rescue animals, so it is kind of whatever comes across our path that we both agree on.
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That IS a beauty!
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It really is; you should see it in person!
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Well, you drew me in like a moth to a flame again, maedez. I looked at that painting again and had some thoughts – notice that the dresses on the handmaidens are contemporary for Gentileschi’s period of time – she would not have known what kind of dress was of Bathsheba’s time. Also on the far right is a figure in shadow which seems to be a man, perhaps an African man and I would guess he is some sort of guard. He is taking a moment to look over his shoulder at her. Across the way, on the balcony, are some tiny figures watching what is going on. Even the stone lion is watching and figures on the lintel over the doorway. She must have been a legendary beauty.
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I love your commentary on the painting. It is quite illuminating. You would be tickled by the canvas in person. It is magnificent.
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