Day 14, Absorb Art -Edgar Degas
(Please see Day 1 if this is your first visit)
On Day 7, tattoo day, I was headed to the Frick Art Museum in
Pittsburgh when it was thwarted by the “Monday hiatus of museums.” Therefore
today I tried it again. I love the art of the impressionist
area and so I wanted to experience the lecture that
the museum offered on Degas, the artist known for his paintings of ballerinas, horse, and bathing
women. I have never taken the time to go to a lecture as a preview to viewing the art. This was my challenge today.
The expert, made Degas come alive with her detail of his personality,
influences in the art world, and
relationships. Though the expert’s
oration I began to really like this guy maybe because I discovered that we shared many things in
common (other than artistic ability- I draw stick men). He sometimes had a sarcastic sense of humor, liked to “stir
the pot”, was very close to his mother, had a parent die at a young age, went
to law school and had an Italian connection. I wonder if Degas and I would have
been good friends like he was with Mary Cassatt, the impressionist known
for the mother and child paintings.
The detail of the etching were amazing! To view the exhibit,
with the knowledge of the how the impressionists congregated to debate, shared
ideas, and argued, gave so much more meaning to the works of art. The connection and friendship that Degas had with Mary Cassatt
was deeply rooted in the way they related
to the art, which can be a magnet for two people.
Gaining background knowledge through a lecture before viewing an art show will stay in my survival tool box. Also, if you live in Pittsburgh, I encourage to go see this exhibit especially if you like Impressionist art.
Spiritual Reflection
God has given gifts to
each of you from a great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that
God’s generosity can flow through you. 1 Peter 4:10-11
We all have gifts from God, use them wisely for his Glory.
Other Sources
Frick Museum at http://www.thefrickpittsburgh.org/about.php
