ART APPRECIATION THREAD--Vatican tour (the magnificent Bernini altar)

Sweet Briar College ^ | 23 April 2003 | Gwen M. McKinney

[Liz]

Thanks......look forward to it.

[Liz]

Good start------will ping my lists to gauge interest.

[Liz]

We can better understand modern art (failings?) by going back to the masters.

[Liz]

Commercial art and advertising are indeed art forms.

Look what Andy Warhol did with a soup can.

[Sam Cree]

I was reading a book by Tom Wolfe called "The Painted Word" recently, which, naturally I heard about on FR. It gives a fairly detailed and also sardonic partial history of modern art.

True, modern art is clearly linked to the old masters, regardless of its intentions of rebellion.

[Sam Cree]

Lots of the time, I consider commercial artists and illustrators to be producing finer art than the "fine artists." After all, they have to meet actual standards, as the masters did, before they can practice their professions.

While I think poorly of most modern(e) art, there is some that I like plenty. Next time I'm in NYC, I plan to hit the MOMA as well as the Hispanic Society to see the Sorolla collection.

[Liz]

The evolution of modernism began with artists' desire to completely discard the notion of sentimentality on canvas.

[Liz]

As you know, MOMA has just reopened after extensive remodeling.

[xp38]

I spent just under a week in Rome and of course only scratched the surface. If he has the stomach for it going up to the roof and top of the dome of St Peters is worth it for unforgettable views. Beyond St Peters the Vatican Museum tour is a must since that is how you see the Sistine Chapel. Separate entrance and fee for that. I never got to do a Papal audience and obviously if that is on the itinerary it will now be with the new Pope. Many other sights in Rome of course from the Coliseum to the Spanish steps...Trevi fountain...Piazzas etc. Too many other churches to list.

Beyond Rome...Venice, Florence and the hill towns of Tuscany are must sees. I fell in love with Capri and spent an unscheduled week there. The whole coastal area around Naples is to die for. One thing to be warned about is hustlers and theives. I lost a bag of luggage in the Milan train station when I was distracted by a someone asking for change for a US dollar and I looked away from my bags for a second. Be aware of them...they target unsuspecting tourists mercilessly and can of course mark you easily. If he he is on his own he is more vulnerable than if with someone or a group. Emphasize that because having crucial items stolen can potentially ruin a stay.

[iceskater]

Wow! That must be amazing to see in person.
I've seen that stained glass dove in a catalog being sold as a suncatcher.

[iceskater]

Add me to the list please! This is perfect timing - I start a watercolor class next week. Not that my stuff compares to this in the least.

[Liz]

Also watch out for the "throw the baby scam".......just as it sounds---the thieves throw a baby at you, b/c they know so you'll drop your bag or purse to catch the child.

[Liz]

Awesome---as someone posted earlier---a jaw-dropper.

[Liz]

If you want to be on a new art appreciation ping list, check in here.

[Conspiracy Guy]

Please add me. I have 3 Elvis on black velvet paintings. I know art when I see it!

[Libloather]

While stationed in Europe, I was invited to attend a deaconate ceremony at St. Peters - (when American catholics become deacons in the church). I was escorted through the Vatican, including the 'big' steps usually shown during foreign dignitary visits, and the Vatican bank. We also got sixth row tickets for that mass held in the square. While he blessed the front row pilgrims, I reached out over several rows and my left hand touched John Paul's left.

That place is amazing. The sculptures, art and chapels are breathtaking.

I'll never forget it...

[B Knotts]

I reckon I wouldn't mind being on an art ping list.

As long as it doesn't include Art Bell pings.

[Sam Cree]

OK, you guys are on the art ping list.

[Sam Cree]

Yes, I heard that they now charge $18 for admission to MOMA, smaller donations not accepted. Some New Yorkers are outraged, you can go on Thursday evenings for free, though, so I have heard. In MOMA, I'll be as interested in some of the industrial art as the fine, maybe more so.

[Sam Cree]

Cool that you are taking watercolor classes. I've been getting back to art the last few years too, and taking classes. I've finally got a digital camera, so I'll be able to post online some of my stuff, I think members of Wetcanvas.com are given a little bandwidth. I have had an idea of an FR art gallery thread, considering that there are so many artistic Freepers. Maybe this ping list will provide the impetus to get one going.