Saturday was a stunning day in the Boston area. Bright sunshine, 60 degrees or so which was just warm enough after 3 days in the 90s. Jeff and I decided to go to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts to see two exhibits: Botticelli and Matisse and His Objects. Although I hated to be indoors all afternoon, these two shows were worth it.
The Botticelli show was very informative and also very crowded. I took some photos but it was hard to get a good angle. The exhibit started out with the a lovely, serene altarpiece, Virgin and Child, by Boticelli’s famous teacher Fra Fillipo Lippi.
Because it was so crowded, I wasn’t able to get great photos. Often the light was shining on a key portion of the painting. Most of the works were very large. Here’s a late Botticelli, Virgin with Child and St. John. It’s a fascinating work because of the unusual downward arc of the composition that served as foreshadowing by mimicking the downward arc used in “deposition” paintings (lowering Christ from the cross into the grave).
Next we headed to the Matisse show. The concept of the exhibit was the role of the objects that Matisse collected and used throughout his career in his paintings, drawings or to inspire his sculpture: vases, coffeepots, African figures and masks, Middle Eastern furniture and wall hangings, figures of the Buddha and Hindu gods and goddesses. It was very cool to see so many of the objects that Matisse owned throughout his life and used in his art works. He saw the objects as having relationships among themselves according to the way they were arranged in his compositions. He felt that the objects engendered emotions in him that were reflected in his work. He believed that once he mastered the animation of objects as “not-so still lifes”, he was then able to incorporate people in his work. I had no idea that that was how his work evolved.
This well-known painting of a woman with a vase of flowers on a Moroccan table was a riot of color and pattern. We saw the actual vase and the table depicted in the work.
The exhibit was huge. Because it was Saturday, it was jam-packed too.
The floral displays in the museum were gorgeous as well. There were two displays that were done in my favorite shades of peach and orange.
After the museum, we drove over to Harvard Square and managed to get lucky in finding a parking spot. We walked to the outdoor courtyard at the Charles Hotel and had a beer and shared some mussels at Legal Seafood. A very nice afternoon indeed!
How about you? What was on your agenda?
If you have some quiet time today, take a look at this week’s posts from the bloggers of Beauty Spotlight Team! Enjoy your Sunday!
Jane Iredale Bronzers in Rose Dawn and Peaches & Cream received rave reviews from Lola’s Secret Beauty Blog, and with one look at the swatches you will understand why!
Ding dong, Avon calling! Color me impressed with the updated color rich Avon True Color Nourishing Lipsticks! Read Prime Beauty’s review and see swatches.
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Phyrra shares the Best Goth Home Decor she found on Amazon.
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Are you plagued with pores you want to wish away? 15 Minute Beauty has some products that can help you fight the plague.
Perfect cosmetics from PUR Cosmetics are on Notes From My Dressing Table‘s vanity and you don’t want to miss them.
Bath time has never been better for Lisa of Beauty Info Zone now that Kniepp has entered her life. Ahhhh, relax.
Are you ready to feel more beautiful and confident by not only learning the proper techniques for flattering and youthful makeup application, but also learning how to feel more positive about your own beauty and your life at the same time? Realizing Beauty has launched a new program that will empower you to own your beauty and take control of your happiness.
Visit Blushing Noir to learn about her surprise of the month from Urban Decay.
Pammy Blogs Beauty says cover it with a new concealer from Mally.
Justina’s Gems helps you pick out the most flattering Neutral Lip Shade with a little help from Bite Beauty.
hi A
what do u think of Arbonne products. a friend is now selling them and gave me some to try. just curious if you have explored them
Melanie
I haven’t tried Arbonne products myself, Melanie. Sorry! I’m not a big fan of direct sales so I haven’t sought them out. A couple of women in my neighborhood sell the brand too. I have read reviews of some of the makeup products, and they have been positive reviews. The products are natural and contain some organic ingredients, I believe. I’ll be curious to hear what you have to say about them.
Are you familiar with the Paula’s Choice website? It’s a very good and affordable brand especially for skincare. Aside from her own products, she has a gigantic website of reviews of other brands/products especially skincare. She gives a good assessment of products’ claims vs. actual results. Worth a look!
thanks