A little taste of history, one morsel at a time.
Today on Museum Quick Bites we’re taking a stroll with Alberto Giacometti’s, Three Men Walking II (1948-1949), on display at the Art Institute of Chicago. Gaunt and gangly, Giacometti crafted a series of these bronze figures to symbolize the physical and emotional trauma he and others were experiencing after World War II.
Today on Museum Quick Bites we’re taking a closer look at Ernst Barlach’s, The Avenger (1922), a bronzed beauty that bristles with intensity. Bent at the hip and balancing on one foot with a sword clasped in his hands, The Avenger lunges toward an unseen foe. His flowy robes resemble those of a whirling dervish. If it wasn’t for the sword, The Avenger would appear to be skating or executing a tricky yoga pose. Aside from his pursed lips, his expression appears blank. Is he numb to the task?
Dear Readers – COVID-19 has us living in a surreal and difficult time. Despite my best efforts to proceed in this new normal of sheltering in place and social distancing, I’m having a hard time concentrating. So I’m going to switch things up. Instead of my usual format, I’m going to offer Museum Quick Bites. These weekly snippets will focus on a single piece of art and artist. Our theme for the next several weeks will be scenes of comfort, something I think we all need right now. Stay safe. – CJ Verb
Hurray tomorrow is Leap Day! And to celebrate we’re kicking up our heels and hooves with a brief look at the loveliest of leapers, the horse. From royal parades to fatal falls we’ll sample three bronzed statues that capture the might and majesty of the horse. We begin in ancient Rome…
Take a deep breath because today on Museum Bites we’re striking a match and lighting up some incense. This ancient form of aromatherapy dates back to the Egyptians and has been used to call forth the gods, chase away demons, offer up prayers, purify a room, honor ancestors, enhance meditation, and so much more. I’ve come across a variety of incense burners on my museum travels. Join me for a closer look at three delightful examples. We begin by rolling back the clock to the 6th century…
Sunlight is waning and winter is knocking on the door at Museum Bites. In honor of these seasonal changes, we’re going to light the lights. Join me for a brief look at four ancient lamps from around the world. We begin by dialing the clock back to the 14th century…
Happy Friday! Today on Museum Bites we’re continuing our tour through the Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM). Join me for a wild ride on a bucking bronc, a delicious dive into a cool pool, and the opportunity to pay homage to victims of war. We begin in post-World War I Germany…
Museum Bites 