Cyclorama
The first cyclorama — mural in the round — that I ever saw was in Mesdag in the Hague. My good friend, Liza showed it to me and it opened my eyes to ways murals can be viewed. This one was painted by Hendrik Willem Mesdag in the 18th century. When Vincent Van Gogh saw it in 1881, he said, “Panorama Mesdag is the most beautiful sensation of my life. It has just one tiny flaw and that is its flawlessness.” (as posted on the Mesdag Museum website at the above link) I am so happy that there is one closer to me now re-opening after five painstaking years of…
A couple exhibits
Happy Halloween! After all the hubbub is over, here are a couple of fall art exhibits worth visiting: 1) Pompeii and the Roman Villa, National Gallery of Art, through March 22, 2009 Here are two background stories in the Washington Post, worth reading: Day of Wrath and coincidentally on the same day, Villas Come Alive 2,000 Years After Vesuvius (in the Travel Section). I have always liked the frescoes at Stabiae. I am bewildered how they survived the destruction at Pompeii. The recreation of the Villa San Marco is just incredible. Makes me want to go visit NOW. Well, that’s a fantasy but it’s on my list. Italy is one…
Partying with the Prez
This is more of a performance rather than an art mention, but it has to do with the art of performance. Monday, October 27th was the 150th birthday of Teddy Roosevelt. My husband and I had the honor of celebrating with our friends, Joe and Jenny Wiegand, of the Teddy Roosevelt Show, after Joe’s reenactment performance for President and Mrs. George Bush at the White House. Kudos to Joe for being invited for this “gig” and what an exceptional way to top off a year of touring. In fact, the tour has been extended, it’s so popular. Congratulations and bully for you! Here’s my previous post on Teddy Roosevelt and…
