OT: Whistler's Mother

[Waquoit]

Whistler's Mother (the painting) is currently on display at The Clark in Williamstown, MA and it's really worth the trip (2 hrs. from Hartford). It doesn't make it to the USA very often so this is your chance to see a truly iconic work. Not being an aficionado, it's hard for me to describe why I thought it was so impressive, you really should see for yourself. The Clark also has a special Van Gogh exhibit (not as great as I had hoped) running concurrently as well as their awesome permanent collection (especially if you like Renoir).

 

[MilfordHusky]

The permanent home of the painting is Musee d'Orsay.

 

[ChicagoGG]

The Clark is always worth the trip, and Whistler's Mum is frosting on the cake. Wonderful permanent collection in a beautiful location. It is worth a drive, trust me.

 

[Waquoit]

The permanent home of the painting is Musee d'Orsay.

Right, and I found out the painting is owned by France. (The country, not the NASCAR guy).

 

[ThisJustIn]

Thanks for the heads up - going up to West Dover, VT for a "not weekend" birthday trip... I can detour myself.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Right, and I found out the painting is owned by France. (The country, not the NASCAR guy).

Yeah, those damn French bought it. How did that happen?

 

[Conndog]

Saw the painting, pretty cool. Originally, he was painting her standing, but it was taking too long, she wanted to sit, and he got her that chair so she'd be more comfortable. This info is from one of those little plaques that museums often use to describe the art works.

 

[UcMiami]

Yeah, those damn French bought it. How did that happen?

Seeing as he spent most of his productive life between England and France, it is no wonder most of his works live in those countries.

The clark is a jewel of a museum. I haven't been there in years, but it is a great side trip from any of the other summer arts programs in the Berkshires (Tanglewood/Willimastown Theater.)

[I was told once that Clark had great fear of a nuclear attack and felt Northwestern Mass was a safe area for his art in the event of a Russian attack - he felt the rest of his family was crazy for leaving their art to museums in NYC where it would all be vaporized! No idea if that has any bearing on reality, but it is a nice story!]

 

[Waquoit]

Saw the painting, pretty cool.

You know what else was pretty cool? I was sitting there looking at it thinking to myself, "I wonder what that picture in the background is? That's gotta be a trivia question." Just then my friend says, "Y'know they have that picture in the background over there in the corner."