Friday, April 8, 2011

National Gallery of Art: West Building

Well, it's been awhile! Guess we better get you all caught up!!
On Feb. 19th, as is our rule when it is cold outside,  we went to a museum. Of all the major museums in D.C. we had yet to visit the National Gallery of Art. The National Gallery of Art is at the east end of the Mall by the Capitol Building and consists of 2 Buildings. The West Building which opened in 1941, and the East Building which opened in 1978. Though they are run by the federal government, they are not Smithsonian Museums, but rely exclusively on private & corporate contributions.
We only made it to the West Building this particular day. It is pretty big and it takes quite a bit of time to walk through; and we STILL didn't see everything!!


 As you walk into the Main entrance, the first thing you see is this beautiful Rotunda area with live plants & a fountain.


 Now, we are not "Art" people, but I have to say, it was pretty impressive to see all this famous work!!!! The first gallery showcased work from the 13th Century!! Amazing!! It was interesting to see how a majority of the work had religios themes; Madonna & Child, The Crucifixion, The Magi,...


We went on to see more works from Italian, Spanish, French, German, Danish & Flemish artists ranging from the 15th Century to the 19th Century! An example was this painting by DiVinci...WOW!!! 


They weren't all paintings; there was some relief work, statues, furniture...




And then more religious paintings.



This is a bronze monument acclaimed to be the greatest American sculpture of the 19th Century. It covered a whole wall! This really doesn't do it justice.  It depicts Colonel Shaw & the first African-American Infantry Unit from the North to fight for the Union during the Civil War.


There were also paintings from American artists, but definitely not as old!!



This was truly amazing... seeing an original Rembrandt painting. Now HIM we knew!!



It turned out to be a pretty interesting day! Of course we'll have to go back to see the East Building... keep checking back! It won't be long!!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow, some interesting art work! I'm just glad to finally see another post from you! Was worried if something had happened to you :)
Nate

Anonymous said...

REALLY interesting!!! Good for you two!
Mom

Anonymous said...

The National Gallery of Art is my favorite museum in DC! Thanks for sharing. Allison

Anonymous said...

The Shaw relief, is one of my favorites! The movie, "Glory" told the story. One of my all time fave films! Thanks for sharing!!!!

Lorri

Anonymous said...

Why does Dan have to be in every other Picture? Is he considered 'Art'? :-).

John Finity