So, where have we been? Somewhere historical?
Somewhere imperial?
Somewhere modern?
Vienna, for a few days, and enough cultural/historical content to top us up for the winter.
Arriving "refreshed " after a night on the sleeper train from Cologne - a night like crossing an ocean in heavy seas - we started right in with the Belvedere Palace - or palaces, since why have one when you can have two?
A sharp autumnal breeze had been blowing when we left Essex; thicker clothes had been packed, but here full summer sun was still beating down..
The Upper Belvedere Palace is an art gallery, famous for its collection of Klimts, but also well-stocked with other works.. Unlike almost every other visitor we did not take cameras into the galleries.
When exactly did this regrettable practice become so universal? We saw people snapping away, barely glancing at each picture, but determined to take its picture - or, all too often, their own picture with the famous painting in the background.
After a lunch in the sunshine, we moved on down the formal gardens to the Lower Palace, where changing exhibitions are housed. We remained suitably straight-faced as we examined the links between Klimt's erotic drawings and models from classical antiquity.
Then, it was on to our first meeting with the Arch-Duchess Maria Theresa, a powerhouse of 18th century Europe, mother of sixteen children - eleven daughters - think of it - "King" of Hungary, and wife of the Holy Roman Emperor. Paintings of her make much of fabulous costumes: acres of lace from Brabant, voluminous silks, stiff with baroque embroidery. What happened to all these clothes? Are they in store somewhere? What an exhibition that would make.
Somewhere imperial?
Somewhere modern?
Vienna, for a few days, and enough cultural/historical content to top us up for the winter.
Arriving "refreshed " after a night on the sleeper train from Cologne - a night like crossing an ocean in heavy seas - we started right in with the Belvedere Palace - or palaces, since why have one when you can have two?
A sharp autumnal breeze had been blowing when we left Essex; thicker clothes had been packed, but here full summer sun was still beating down..
The Upper Belvedere Palace is an art gallery, famous for its collection of Klimts, but also well-stocked with other works.. Unlike almost every other visitor we did not take cameras into the galleries.
 |
| Lower Belvdere |
When exactly did this regrettable practice become so universal? We saw people snapping away, barely glancing at each picture, but determined to take its picture - or, all too often, their own picture with the famous painting in the background.
 |
| Merchandising much in evidence |
After a lunch in the sunshine, we moved on down the formal gardens to the Lower Palace, where changing exhibitions are housed. We remained suitably straight-faced as we examined the links between Klimt's erotic drawings and models from classical antiquity.
Then, it was on to our first meeting with the Arch-Duchess Maria Theresa, a powerhouse of 18th century Europe, mother of sixteen children - eleven daughters - think of it - "King" of Hungary, and wife of the Holy Roman Emperor. Paintings of her make much of fabulous costumes: acres of lace from Brabant, voluminous silks, stiff with baroque embroidery. What happened to all these clothes? Are they in store somewhere? What an exhibition that would make.
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1 comment:
Oh my just catching up here! What an amazing trip and the art I am just stunned! Thank you for sharing this amazing trip!
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