Today on Museum Quick Bites we’re taking a closer look at Rudolf Belling’s Sculpture 23 (1923). Crafted from brass, this radiant, robotic head is a whimsical delight. From its sleek skull to its thick, slightly parted lips, Belling has forged a brassy jumble of shapes and parts to create a brilliant work of art.
The Spill: Quick Bite
Today on Museum Quick Bites we’re winding down the merry month of May with Eduard von Grützner’s (1892), The Catastrophe. This slapstick portrayal of two, possibly tipsy monks shows off Grützner’s eye for detail and skill with a paintbrush. Let’s zoom in and take a closer look…
May Flowers: Quick Bite
Yay it’s May! And today we’re celebrating on Museum Quick Bites with a moody self-portrait (1912) by Otto Dix. On display at the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), Dix’s somber selfie pays homage to German portrait painters from the Renaissance. Let’s dig into the details…
Tree Hugger: Quick Bite
Earth Day is just around the corner and we’re celebrating on Museum Quick Bites with a deep dive into Landscape with Mountains and River (1874-1882) by fellow Cheesehead and tree hugger, Henry Vianden.
Belling’s Bot: Quick Bite
Today on Museum Quick Bites we’re taking a closer look at Rudolf Belling’s Sculpture 23 (1923). Crafted from brass, this radiant, robotic head is a whimsical delight. From its sleek skull to its thick, slightly parted lips, Belling has forged a brassy jumble of shapes and parts to create a brilliant work of art.
Squeaky Clean: Quick Bite
Today on Museum Quick Bites we’re getting squeaky clean the Renaissance way.
Forest Bathing: Quick Bite
Today on Museum Quick Bites we’re indulging in some forest bathing with a deep dive into Herman Herzog’s, Sketching on Beaver’s Creek (c1880-1885).
The Avenger: Quick Bite
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?
Comfort: Quick Bite
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
Making Merry: Reboot
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas here at Museum Bites and today we’re celebrating some of the generous gift givers featured in Christmas lore. Santa Claus, Father Christmas, and Saint Nicholas get top billing. But did you know Father Ice, a mischievous farm elf, and a leather-wearing Santa have all played a role in fostering Christmas cheer? Join me for a brief introduction to these festive folks. We begin in the wilds of the American frontier…