The weatherperson was right. The prediction was 100% chance of rain and we had 100% rain starting early this morning. Being from California we are very scared to go outside in a drizzle and today was much more than a drizzle. So we did what any married couple without their kids and in an incredible hotel room would do……………………… we read our books.
We could only read for so long and had to get out even if it meant to deal with the rain. So we got a ride and headed over to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Mrs. Gardner lived in Boston at the turn of the century (from 19th to 20th) and became very wealthy when her father died and left her lots of money. She and her husband traveled the world and collected art. Mrs. Gardner’s husband died December 10, 1898 and six weeks later she purchased land needed to construct the museum where her art collection is now housed. The museum occupies over 74,000 square feet. Patrice and I thought it would be a good idea to build a separate structure for our art collection as well. Ours was recently completed. See below:
Apparently Mrs. Gardner and her husband enjoyed Italian masters. I remember when I went to the Uffizi Gallery in Florence I was told not to miss “Madonna and Child”. I searched and quickly found “Madonna and Child”. A few steps later I saw another piece called, “Madonna and Child”. I soon realized they were not alone. There were all sorts of pieces in the museum of the same title. Well the Gardner Museum here in Boston is no different.
In addition to “Madonna and Child” there are all sorts of other beautiful works of art including this statue called “Torso and Right Leg of Dionysus”.
Nearby was this sculpture but I couldn’t find its name. I would just call it “Ouch”.
The painting that got the Gardners started on their love affair with art was “The Concert” by Vermeer. Apparently that work and 12 others were stolen in 1990 by thieves dressed up as members of the Boston Police Department. The work has never been located and its estimated worth is $200,000,000. This is what is left of the Dutch masterpiece.
Tomorrow we are going to see John Williams at the pre-season Boston Pops concert. I am wondering if we will see a bunch of grown men with light sabers like we do when we see Mr. Williams at the Hollywood Bowl. I sure hope not.
One thing I do hope for is comments from my readers. I hate to think I am just sending this to one or two people. Don’t be shy, put in your comments. Just remember the entire world can see what you write so be kind. If you are going to mention anyone I recommend you only use their first name.
Robert Reiss Travel Blog and Other Ramblings 