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.
Hear Me Roar: Reboot
Today on Museum Bites we’re taking a closer look at some badass women. This colorful cast includes a champion of women’s health, a defiant ruler, and a steadfast and devoted queen. Rebellious, revolutionary and revered, each took on the system in her own way. For a brief introduction, let’s begin by turning back the clock to ancient Rome…
Black Eye: Quick Bite
Halloween is on the horizon so today on Museum Quick Bites we’re breaking out the face paint. Crafted from hand blown glass, this mint-green confection once held kohl, an ancient eyeliner. Both pretty and practical, this delicate cosmetic container has a whimsical flair.
Face Time: Quick Bite
Today on Museum Quick Bites we’re working in a little face time with an ancient beer mug. Handcrafted from gold by the Chimú, this quirky cup (c1475-1525 CE) was used during rituals to drink fermented corn beer.
Moon Shadow: Quick Bite
We’re chasing shadows today on Museum Quick Bites…moon shadows. Moonlit Landscape with a Windmill (c1650s) by Dutch painter, Aert van der Neer is a nocturnal delight. Cast against a turbulent sky, puffy pink and gray clouds churn above, while the moon plays hide and seek behind a lone windmill.