Of all the art I have enjoyed in my life, it is quite possible that Dutch art has satisfied me the most, both in subject matter, and the genius of technique mastered by so many of these artists. Of course, we recognize Rembrandt as perhaps the pinnacle, but there are so many that are not household names that created, in the 17th. century especially, such true masterpieces. And through the most amazing and generous gifts, the MFA has installed numerous rooms devoted just to the Netherlands.
And what an exhibit! From tiny insects, to vast sea canvasses, it is all there, in my Boston, to enjoy. I suspect I will go back again and again, and hopefully Susan, who loves it as much as I, will be with me, and maybe Barbara and Bill as well. And Bruce, in July, hopefully.
For this trip, I was joined by Mark Slawson, close friend, organist at Second Parish Church in Hingham, and a partner in many musical undertakings for many years. I have been a featured soloist at his church every Christmas Eve for at least ten years running.
A curious circumstance is that much of the art donated came from a Mr. Von Otterloo, probably the son of Wilhelm Von Otterloo, conductor of the Hague Philharmonic, who I first encountered at Curtis with a performance of his "Serenade for 13 Brass instruments, percussion and harp" which I performed with William Smith conducting, a wonderful, very demanding work, which was recently released by the Amsterdam Conceertgebouw Orchestra brass.
Aaaat any rate, here is my record of my visit with Mark, all photos taken with my new I phone 13 Max Pro. I may never carry a camera around again!
P.S. There will be a follow-up blog of the rest of the museum visit.
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| Jan Davidsz. de Heem Dutch, 1606-about 1684 Interior of a Painter's Studio |
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| Ambrosius Bosschaert the Elder 1573-1621 Still Life with Roses in a Glass Vase |
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| Jacob van Walscapelle 1644-1727 A Floral Still Life |
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| Gerrit Berckheyde 1638-1698 View of Haarlem I mean, here is a guy that even the well-travelled museum visitor might not be familiar with, and yet this is the equal of any Constable. Glorious! |
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| Cornelis Verbeeck 1590-1637 The Blockade of the Privateer' Nest at Dunkirk Very much another masterpiece by who? |
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| detail of above |
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| another detail of above |
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| Frans Snyders 1579-1657 Still Life with Fruit, Wanli Porcelain, and Squirrel |
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| and here's the Squirrel |
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| Osias Beert (Flemish) 1580-1623 Still Life with Various Vessels, on a Table The dish in the middle (detail below) was captured so well, it appeared to be in three dimensions, inviting you to pick a piece. And I mean that, it was a shock. |
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| This photo can't do justice to the effect, you will just have to visit to see for yourself. |
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| Mark admiring the massive ship model, the "Valkenisse" a Dutch cargo ship, heavily armed. This is the only model of this type of ship found in America. |
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| detail |
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| detail. According to the description, the model may have been like a presentation from the shipbuilder to get more commissions. I love that mini-crow's nest on the bowsprit. |
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| Rembrandt van Rijn 1606-1669 Reverend Johannes Elison Evidently a full-length portrait was vastly more expensive. Add to that the matching portrait of the minister's wife adjacent, and you have quite a hefty bit of income. |
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| detail |
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| detail |
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| Gerrit Berckheyde 1638-1698 The Grote or St. Bavokerk in Haarlem Another great architectural scene by Berkcheyde, which could have been done by Canaletto, but with even more finer detail than even that great Italian master. |
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| detail of above. Look at the shrub just to the left of the doorway! |
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| Jan Steen 1626-1679 A Card Game in a Tavern Steen is much more familiar, and justly so, given his very theatrical scenes, always telling the viewer secrets, and moral lessons. Here he shows the cards the young lady has, including aces, but she is being helped in her cheating of the gentleman by the two men; one is plying the guy with more drink, while the other checks out his cards. |
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| A Dutch cubbord, or beeidenkost Carved Oak |
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| detail |
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| Salomon van Ruysdael 1600/03-1670 An Estuary, Possibly het Spaarne at Haarlem, with a Wijdship and other Small Craft Had to include a Ruysdael, very much a favorite. Look at those clouds. |
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| detail |
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| My apologies, I didn't record this artist or subject. But it is striking. |
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| Look at the eyes, the lips, and the color in the cheeks and chin. Could a photograph capture all of that? Just maybe. |
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| Doll's House 17th-18th century. Netherlands For the wealthiest of children, real silver miniatures to play with . the average room is about 12 inches tall, so you can judge the size of cups, lamps, etc. |
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| Dining room |
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| Sitting or Living room |
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| Kitchen |
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| And the real masterpiece of the house, the garden, with painted view. I hope you enjoyed my selections, and the photography, done with the versatility of the I phone. It seems to capture color and depth better than the human eye. And if you can visit the exhibit? well........! |
