Yale University Art Museum

Saturday April 28th was a windy, yet beautiful spring day. I went to the Yale University Art Museum. I found the museum pretty easy, too bad I couldn’t say the same thing about a parking spot. :) When I finally did get a parking it was actually right in the front. There were lots of college students up and down the area and I really liked the feel of the atmosphere. When I walked in the museum I wasn’t really blown away upon my entrance as I have been in my previous museum visits. There were many people scattered around the museum. Some waiting to be helped at the front desk, some people were on tours and some studying and drawing certain pieces, while others just enjoyed the Art. I just proceeded on to see what the museum had to offer and as I took a left and walked into the foyer that held the the first thing I saw was what looked like a pile of red sponges. I remember thinking to myself “what the hec is this suppose to be?” although I thought it was somewhat interesting, I wasn’t fascinated. I slowly strolled the first floor waiting for something to jump out at me that really caught my attention but as I contuned on the first floor nothing really did. I actually remember feeling a little disappointed because I assumed the rest of the museum was going to be the same.

As I continnued I than ran into a small polychrome sculpture of Virgin and child that was secured in a case. The Virgin held her child on her hip as he held a bird. When I looked at the child I got a little spooked because his eyes looked a little demonic. I guess that is because the artist didn’t paint eyeballs on them. The sculpture was painted in a glittery blue and gold trimming that defined the accents and details in her robe as well as her crown. I liked this piece because the Virgin and Child is a great symbol of my religon and reminded me of similar peices my parents still own.

American Paintings and Sculptures

I really enjoyed the bronze statue by Auguste Rodin of “The Thinker” I was wondering what could he possibly be thinking of that had him so deep In thought? I wonder is someone actually had to pose for this piece? I was deeply admiring how detailed every single muscle in his body was formed down to the crease on his back. I was actually admiring it’s detail so much my boyfriend had to remind me it was just a statue. ;)


This Oil on canvas painting by Edwin Austin Abbey (American, 1852–1911 Richard, Duke of Gloucester, and the Lady Anne, 1896 caught my attention because the artist did a great job at making everyone else in the picture disappear even though there is so much going in. Anne and Richard of Gloucester is the centerpiece of the painting her face looks beautiful and his red robe makes him pop right out of the picture.

It was not until I saw this magnificent marble sculpture called the The Wept of the Wish-ton-Wish," that I was totally intrigued. This sculpture was amazing this was a life size sculpture that was carved in marble in 1854. This sculpture was of an indian woman and her costume had magnificent detail from the stitching on her blanket to the shell bandana she had on her head. I recall staring at the blanket she has around her with a deep stare because I was truly unsure if it was a real blanket around her or if it was part of the sculpture. Her posed seemed as if she was shy and as if she was looking away. One hand held her blanket and the other gently placed under her chin. Her hair draped on her back and her shoes were definatlet something I would wear today.

Just when I thought I saw the highligt of my trip to the museum, I stumble on an AMAZING sculpture by Chauncey Bradley Ives (American, 1810–1894) of Undine Rising from the Waters. Undine was the heroine of a popular French nineteenth-century romantic novel in which a mermaid princess forsakes the carefree life of a water-spirit to gain a soul by marrying the mortal knight she loves. When her husband proves unfaithful, Undine is forced by the laws of the water-spirits to kill him. Ives depicts the moment when the mournful Undine, cloaked in a white veil, rises like a fountain from the castle's wellspring to claim her husband's life. The exquisitely carved wet drapery is one of the most notable American examples of see-through illusionism popular in mid-nineteenth-century sculpture. (Yale Museum website)


I must say that the sculpture of Undine Rising from the waters blew my mind. This was the best and most skillful sculpture I have ever laid my eyes on. The carvings and the folds of the gown and the veil she holds above her head made this sculpture seem so life like. Since undie was rising from the water there were Tiny jets of water on the pedestal at her feet. I’m pretty sure she was happy with her body and how the dress draped so fitting on her body. What blew me away even more was the see-through illusion from behind. I’ve never seen anything like it. These photos do no justice for the beauty of this sculpture. This is one piece I would love to own.

By the end of my visit to the musem my thoughts were totally different than the ones I initally had when I first walked in. There were so many othere peices that I enjoyed and since I can't talk about each and every one I will share some photos. Overall I really enjoyed the Yale Museum and I'm so glad that I went.

New Britain Museum of American Art

April 21st was one of the first beautiful days out and I finally was able to get away from the books anticipating graduation next month. I finally took the time and went to the New Britain Museum of American Art. I just moved to New Britain so I had no idea where the museum was. As I started driving to the museum, I was amazed at how close to my home it was. When I pulled up in front of the museum, The architecture of the building seemed so modern. I thought this museum was going to be different than some of the other museum I have visited so far. When I walked in I encountered two women who immediately welcomed me and put a sticker on me that said "Where Art Meets Life" . They were very nice and very helpful in explaining where things are. She than handed me at few pieces of paper and I continued with my visit. The inside was fairly impressive.

I started walking around and I wasn’t to interested in many of the pieces on the first floor besides a few such as this oil painting of by Elizabeth Nourse “Head of an Nigerian”. This piece stood out because it was the only painting of an African so I was very interested in finding out who this African Male was that had his hand on his hip, standing so self-assured and strong Holding a cigar in the other hand. I thought to myself he must have been a very important person. He was a nigerian prince. The bright red belt and white hood on his attire made this painting pop out. The painting was smooth, glassy look.

When I walked up to the stairs I entered the California in Connecticut room this was the first piece that caught my attention. I recall getting a big smile on my face when I first looked at it. I thought it was kind of humorous. When I got closer I noticed the little fairy sneaking a peek under the males robe. I thought it was hilarious. It wasn’t until I looked at it a few more seconds that I noticed it was an angel and the devil. It was a depiction of venus and Adonis depicted as children. I believe this may have been an oil painting because the texture was glossy, it almost looked wet.


There were many others paintings in that section I enjoyed becasue they seemed more modern and more like things I can relate to. The picture of the below actually looks just like my sister which was very funny when we stumbled upon it.


When I looked to my left there was this huge painting which later I found it was 8 x 18-feet. This could be why this Painting quickly caught my attention to the point I practically ran over to take a closer look at what it could be.

I could not see what the artist saw. I was lost and did not know what to make of it. It was very difficult although even though it was somewhat evident of what it was about as you see the smoke and dust in the sky and the towers falling in the background. The pigmentation of the people made them look so real. I just kept wondering why everyone was naked? Although I couldn’t understand it right away I was still moved by it. The interpretation was a very difficult one but I still think the painting itself was very powerful if you are able to open your mind and appreciate the way other’s view things. . It was bright paid special attention to every little detail. The artist had to have an extremely creative imigation to depict this tragedy in such a way.

Martin Luther Kings Historical Site

On Friday April 5th I was in Atlanta with some friends attending a wedding and I thought it was a good opportunity to get my paper done so I decided to find a museum in the area. Although my friends really preferred to be shopping they were good sports and we GPS some museums and attractions and decided to go to the Martin Luther King historical site because we thought it would be something that we would all enjoy.

As we were trying to find the museum we got a little lost but thanks the GPS System we started seeing signs and we were starting to get excited because we have heard so many good things about the museum from the locals.

Once we arrived to the center we parked and got out of the car, it was unusually cold in Atlanta so we were hoping that the exhibits were not outside since it’s usually hot out there. As we walked towards the entrance of the building on the way were a few signs and once I looked at this particular picture it dawned on me that we were actually at the museum where Martin Luther King, Jr. was born, worked, raised, went to church, and is buried. It suddenly became surreal that I was actually there.

On our way in the building we saw a statue of Ghandi. This statue was great because it stood very tall and the details on it from the eyes to the creases on his robe made it look so real as if it was a giant coming towards me.

When I finally entered the building I saw a guard sitting in a desk at the entrance and I quickly went in my purse prepared to pay a fee. I was delighted was told there was no cost to see anything. :) I asked if I could take pictures and they said absolutely. I quickly pulled out my camera and started walking towards the exhibits. I was blown away at how the museum did a wonderful attributing to his life. This place was built near where it grew up and the surrounding neighborhoods are just as they were during the civil rights movement.

I immediately noticed all the exhibits were behind a glass and there were tv's and speakers all around the room showing clips of the times of the civil rights movement. There were younger kids there and they were eager and paying special attention as they toured the sites with their families. You could see other people experiencing those historical moments of what Martin Luther King did in order to better our lives today. It was awesome.

This picture of black men getting hosed by the fireman was disturbing to me and I remember staring at it and getting a little angered.

This picture caught my attention, it was so powerful as I looked at the picture I saw how strong the civil rights movement was and how the black people stuck together. It was empowering as a woman and minority to see Coretta Scott-King in the front-line with some shades standing by her husband looking fearless. I felt proud for a moment. lol

I later encountered statues of people doing what seemed to be walking at an exhibit called freedom road, I was really curious as to what it was all about. I quickly looked for a description and I read it and found that Freedom Road represents actual people marching in the civil right movements and marches marching towards DR Kings Grave site. It made me feel like I just wanted to go and march with them.
Being there made me reflect on the fact that there was so many other people contributed to the Civil Rights movement and than Just Martin Luther King and that there was so much that I didn’t know.

This Picture was the most interesting to me was the old wagon that had carried Dr. King's casket in his funeral. It captured the impact of his legacy. There was so much history it almost brought tears to my eyes.

the expereience was most moving listening to some of the music and a recordings of his sermons. They have the world’s largest collection of materials on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the American Civil Rights Movement. There significant records which document the social, cultural, economic, and political impact of the civil rights movement.

The experience is very moving and you will definitely learn a lot about our past civil rights struggles. Would you like to experience it too? http://www.thekingcenter.org/

Due to time constraints I was only able to qucikly visit his gravesite where he is actually buried. It was an honor and surreal experience. I could not believe I was at his actual gravesite and not just a memorial. The grave is above-ground so it was kind of weird to think he was in there you were not allowed to talk around it. I was so humbled to be there.

Unfortunaltey I was unable to check out his church and the home he grew up in but I am definatley going back. You can take a virtual tour here www.nps.gov/archive/malu/BirthHomeTour/
Since the musem expereice was uplanned I was limted on time but I must say that it was the highlight of my trip and I thoroughly enjoyed this very humbling learning experience. My friends and I learned so much during this site visit and the staff was pleasant and helpful, as well as very knowledgeable.