Today on Museum Quick Bites we’re celebrating Presidents’ Day with an up close and personal look at Jean-Antoine Houdon’s terracotta bust of George Washington. Sculpted in the late 1780s, Houdon portrays a pensive, post-Revolutionary War Washington. Houdon’s goal was to depict Washington as a noble, Roman statesman, hence the toga he added to the sculpture. But for a man who eschewed pomp and displays of ego, who would go on to insist on serving only two terms in office, Washington balked at these lofty portrayals.
Wildfire: Quick Bite
Today on Museum Quick Bites we’re kicking off February and Black History Month with a masterpiece. The Death of Cleopatra (1876) by Edmonia Lewis is a haunting portrayal of the Egyptian queen just moments after her suicide.
Monolith: Quick Bite
Today on Museum Quick Bites we’re serving up a sweet treat. Jun Kaneko’s sleek, black-on-white sculpture is a visual delight. Tricked out in a drippy, geometric pattern, this untitled piece was inspired by dango, a sweet Japanese dumpling.
Crossing Over: Quick Bite
Today on Museum Quick Bites we’re finally leaving 2020 behind and crossing over into a hopefully happier, sunnier new year. To celebrate, we’re taking a closer look at Claude Monet’s Waterloo Bridge, Sunlight Effect (1903).
In Harmony: Quick Bite Reboot
Dear Readers – Today on Museum Quick Bites we’re taking comfort in music with an angelic twist. Musical Angel (1521) by Rosso Fiorentino (aka Giovanni Battista di Jacopo; 1494-1540) features a cherub dreamily plucking a lute. From his rosy fingertips to his fiery red curls this sleepy-eyed angel appears lulled by the music, and in turn, the painting lulls us.
Fancy Brew: Quick Bite
Winter is dishing out a chilly mess, but here at Museum Quick Bites we’re serving up a hot, tasty brew.
Ice, Ice Baby: Reboot
Happy Friday! Today on Museum Bites we’re slipping and sliding into winter with a look at the history of ice skates. From ancient waterways to the Olympic Games, ice skates have played a fundamental role in our transportation, recreation, and sports. Join me for a brief twirl around the rink and learn how the ice skate was transformed from a humble pair of bones to hi-tech blades. We begin by dialing the clock back to the Bronze Age…
La Rue: Quick Bite
Grab your scarf and mittens because today on Museum Quick Bites we’re going for a stroll in the winter sun. Lucien Pissarro’s, La Rue Saint-Vincent, Soleil d’Hiver (St. Vincent Street, Winter Sun; 1890) captures a peaceful scene along a quiet street.
Sweet Life: Quick Bite
Today on Museum Quick Bites we’re serving up a slice of Caged Pie (1962) by Wayne Thiebaud. On display at the San Diego Museum of Art, this sweet piece is a still life with a modern twist.
Francisco: Quick Bite
Today on Museum Quick Bites we’re taking a solemn step forward with Francisco de Zurbarán’s, Saint Francis of Assisi in His Tomb (c1630-1634). Cast in shadow, this haunting piece features a hooded Saint Francis holding an upturned skull. Barefoot he strides toward us, as if to step off the canvas.