Water Lillies at the Bridge
The title comes from a painting by Monet, who is my favorite artist. I got to see a whole room full of his paintings at the National Gallery today. They had quite an eclectic collection dating from medieval times to the early 20th century. Some other highlights included The Arnolfini Portrait by Van Eyck, Venus and Mars by Botticelli, Self Portrait at the Age of 34 by Rembrandt, The Virgin of the Rocks by Da Vinci, and Sunflowers by Van Gogh.Sadly, however, the experience presented a rather unpleasant reminder of the terrorist attacks in the beefed up security. I was expecting a security level similar to the British Museum, in other words none. Instead, it was almost as bad as getting on airplane. I had to give them a guided tour of the contents of my bag and empty out my pockets and take off my belt to go through the metal detector. They also had at least one and sometimes two security personnel in every single room of the gallery.
I also saw a curious statue that i never would have expected to be in Trafalgar Square. They had a statue of George Washington given as a gift to the British Government by the Commonwealth of Virginia. I thought it was a rather odd place to have an american hero in the midst of many of the great British military heroes. You would think they would have Wilson or Roosevelt or someone who didn't fight AGAINST the British. I am not sure what to make of it.
posted by tyler @ 10:25 PM
2 Comments:
Tyler, I didn't know Monet was your favorite. Mine too. Did you know that Gladioli is at the DIA?
I hope you do not mind me reading your blog. I am really enjoying your impressions of Britain.
Kay Torigian
Thanks, no I did not know that. My girlfriend is an art history major so I may try to get down there after I get back. Thank you for reading it. I am glad at least someone is, and I always enjoy feedback.
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