Diffuse Reflections, Part II

Venus Victorious (1914) by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, on view in the Sculpture Garden at the Norton Simon Museum

I had been considering paying a trip to the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena to attend a lecture "Human and Divine: Face to Face with Hans Memling's Portraits" by Maryan Ainsworth, curator of European Paintings at the Met, but, whereas I started the day on the fence in this matter, Renoir's birth date settled it. No other Los Angeles area museum has such interesting examples and diversity of his work.

So, it was off to Pasadena for me. And while I was there, discussing the Frick Collection, from where the current exhibit of Memling's Portrait of a Man is on loan, I found out that there was an interesting show of Renoir's work. It looks mighty impressive. If I had the time and money, I'd be on my way to NYC to check it out. ;-)

But I'll content myself with the local treasures and some very cool vids that the Frick has put up on YouTube.

Detail of Bouquet of Lilacs (1875-80) by Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Beautiful work!!!

Portrait of a Man

Portrait of a Man (c.1470-75) by Hans Memling, on exhibit at the Norton Simon Museum

I was able to attend opening night for the Norton Simon Museum's showcase of Hans Memling's Portrait of a Man, on loan from the Frick Collection. This show will be running until April 30, 2012.

I'm not big on Northern Renaissance art, but Memling is interesting. He certainly transcends the flesh, capturing the subject's personality or mental state. The portrait on view is well worth checking out, subtle but compelling. And the other Memling on view, Christ Giving His Blessing, which is a part of the permanent collection, is also quite excellent.

Here are a couple photos from tonight.

The exhibit spotlights Memling in context with other 15th century artists.



Opening Night for Memling's Portrait of a Man


Enjoy!!!