Fabergé at the Museum

A long hiatus - my daughter moved (lots of packing, boxes and carrying) and then visitors and the Festival Montréal Baroque (more about the in another post) - I am slowly getting back to my blog.

With friends in town for the baroque festival, we all decided to visit the museum to see the Fabulous Fabergé exhibit. I so appreciate that the museum allows photography. The objects in the exhibit were beyond belief - ornate, elaborate, intricate. I did not photograph the tiny eggs which were absolutely exquisite - each one a testimony to incredible craftsmanship. You can see some for sale at Fabergé - but they are not as spectacular as seeing the older ones well lit in the display.

Looking at the opulence of the exhibit and thinking of the lives of most Russians at the time of the Czars, it is not hard to imagine why the revolution happened.



Everything from icons to china to photo frames to decorative pieces were highly decorated and often covered in gold and/or encrusted with jewels.



It was interesting to see, to gawk at the excesses, to marvel at the skill and aesthetic of the jewellers, and to imagine the lives of the people who surrounded themselves with these items.

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Here are some links where you can learn more about Fabergé and the eggs
From the museum site: http://faberge.mbam.qc.ca/en/
http://www.faberge.com/news/49-imperialeggs.aspx
http://www.pbs.org/treasuresoftheworld/a_nav/faberge_nav/main_fabfrm.html

Art Installation

For the last three years an art installation of this ilk has been installed on du Musée. The lower part of the street is closed to traffic and the whole area becomes a sculpture exhibit. I did not particularly like the installations the last two years. They were supposed to represent flowers, but unless you were standing in exactly the right spot it just looked like a jumble of colour. I do like this year's installation - very geometric with a surprise.



The backs of each piece are a different colour so the shapes and colours change as you move. Fun!

The Museum

Photos: January 6, 2013

There was a wonderful exhibit at the Musée des Beaux Arts: Once Upon a Time.... Impressionism It featured French paintings from the Clark Museum I was at the Clark some 20 years ago but it was a treat to see these paintings again. Impressionist artists are among my favourites. I had been to the exhibit once with my daughter. That time we took a tour.  This time my son was with us too and we lingered over the paintings - not easy with the crowds the exhibit had attracted.

A favourite moment for me was listening to a father explain the painting techniques to his (approximately) 5 year old daughter. I wished I could follow him around. His explanations were wonderful.

The exhibit featured highlights from one couple's collection for their private homes. There were magnificent portraits, but it is the outdoor scenes that really speak to me. Such a treat to spend an afternoon en famille enjoying great art.

Is it Art

Is it Art, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

This installation is in place for the summer as part of the museums outdoor sculpture exhibit. As a result the street is closed to traffic. Is it art? What makes something art? I can't say it does anything for me. What about you?




This piece can be found further up the street. I like its form and the spaces. I find it whimsical, playful... We appreciate art with our emotions, our eyes and our experiences.

Into the Bourgie Concert Hall

Into the Bourgie Concert Hall, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

On Wednesday evening I went to a concert in the new Bourgie Concert Hall, part of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. I say new, but it is really a newly resurrected hall. It was once part of the Erskine and American Church. Though it has been renovated since it became part of the museum, it retains much of the original architectural details.

Years ago I went to concerts there by Les Idées Heureuses. Their concerts will once again take place here. I still remember sitting in the front row when Jordi Savall played a concert. I was mesmerized by his playing. Wednesday's concert was by Les Violons du Roy, a Quebec City based group. Fun to be back in that space.

Burgher of Calais

Burgher of Calais, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

I walked past the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts this morning. This sculpture, one of the Burghers of Calais by Rodin has been standing in front of the museum for a number of years. Odd that I should see it today as last night I saw the film, Midnight in Paris. I enjoyed the film, but I particularly enjoyed revisiting Paris - and the Rodin Museum garden. I have been there twice, each time revelling in the powerful work of Rodin.

I remember reading a historical novel about him: Naked Came I by David Weiss. It still sits on my bookshelf. Maybe it is time for a re-read.

Day 224: Cow

Day 224: Cow, originally uploaded by susanvg.

In every kind of weather this cow lies in front of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Despite this being the centre of the city, she seems very much at home. She watches over Sherbrooke Street traffic and is often seen posing for a photograph with visitors. I love the fact that you can go up and touch and see her from any angle.

The sculpture was created by artist, Joe Fafard, from Saskatchewan. You can read more about him here.