A little taste of history one morsel at a time
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…
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.
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.
Daylight is waning here at Museum Quick Bites so today we’re embracing the darkness and taking a closer look at Raffaelle Monti’s, Night (1862). On display at the Detroit Institute of Arts, this lovely sculpture features a veiled, windswept woman floating above a sleeping baby.
Today on Museum Bites we’re sampling crockery with a twist. These deceptively simple mugs and jugs were crafted for pure trickery and played a starring role in the 18th-century’s version of beer pong. Join me for a look at three of these clever devices…
Museum Bites 