Sunday, September 20, 2020

Holy Grail

Still in the Baroque Room, this is Christ And The Woman Of Samaria, by Guercino (Giovanni Francesco Barbieri), done in 1647.


This is one of the busts in the room. Antonio Novelli sculpted Alfonso Altoviti around 1630. This was originally commissioned by Altoviti's family for his tomb, but its craftsmanship was such that a copy was placed in the tomb and the bust remained in the family's collection. Today it resides here at the National Gallery.


I left the Baroque Room and continued into the main galleries. Mary Magdalene seemed to be following me around on this visit, as I was drawn to several works depicting her. Mary Magdalen dates to around 1620-25, and is by the artist Domenico Puligo. Those of you who have read the somewhat preposterous tales of Robert Langdon will get the Holy Grail reference. 😉


The Gallery has a sizable collection of Dutch masters. Castle By A River is by Jan Van Goyen, and dates to 1648.

34 comments:

  1. One day she's a hooker, next day she's a saint! I am not sure what you wish for if she is following you around!

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  2. "Christ And The Woman Of Samaria"

    I was just reading this story!

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  3. ...art had a somber look back then!

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  4. I think I've said this before William, it's fascinating to see the difference in style of the Old Masters and the artists of today, thanks for sharing ✨

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  5. They have a fine collection there!

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  6. The Novelli bust is beautiful. I think many of the artists from the Netherlands are among my favorites. I like this piece.

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  7. Those huge puffy sleeves on Mary's dress seem a bit out of place.

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  8. These are very beautiful works of art, even if I confess to a lack of knowledge about the Old masters.

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  9. Hello,

    Beautiful pieces of art, great exhibit. Take care, enjoy your day!

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  10. As do many things, the grail reference flies right over me.

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  11. I am always amazed at how vivid the colors still are on paintings from so long ago.

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  12. The last one is very lovely indeed.

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  13. They are all beautiful paintings.

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  14. Stunning paintings. The second is really impressive. Such talent.

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  15. @David: yes, there are many conflicting stories of her.

    @Francisco: thanks!

    @Sandi: it's a beautiful painting, with vivid colour.

    @Marie: quite true.

    @Tom: it could at times.

    @Grace: you're welcome.

    @RedPat: they do indeed.

    @Jeanie: so do I.

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  16. @Sharon: a lot of biblical paintings could use contemporary fashions.

    @Beatrice: I know some, but not enough to qualify as well rounded.

    @Eileen: thank you.

    @Maywyn: in the novel The Da Vinci Code, Mary Magdalene is the Holy Grail. The bride of Christ and the mother of his children. It's a theory that's out there, and a controversial one.

    @Janey: I agree.

    @DJan: indeed.

    @Bill: they are.

    @Gemel: I think so too.

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  17. The woman at the well, a great Bible story!

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  18. Such beautiful paintings.

    All the best Jan

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  19. Great paintings. When will I be able to go to the AGO with no apprehension!!

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  20. I think I'm partial to Dutch masters.

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  21. They liked pretending that biblical characters had really fancy clothes.

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    Replies
    1. And very contemporary to the time of the artists, at that.

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  22. Always lovely museum photos of master paintings ~ We are still searching for the Holy Grail ~ ^_^

    Live each moment with love,

    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  23. I love the body language of the Christ painting with the woman. Looks like he's asking for or giving directions or something. The sculpture is very lifelike.

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