One of the largest museums in the world, the Hermitage is home to three million exhibits. If you looked at one piece for one minute each, it would take you 10 years to see everything.
Hermitage (er metage) - French meaning Hermit dwelling or place of solitude. Founded in 18th century by Catherine the Great. She wrote in her diary "only I and the mice see the art". The Winter Palace was designed by same architect who built Catherine's Palace. It is the original structure. It was not destroyed during the war. Made into museum after the Revolution.
All the art collections are divided by departments or countries. Organized with the oldest collection first down through time. The Hermitage includes only Western and European art. Russian art held in the Russian Art Museum. Only 10% of art is on display at any one time. Tour highlights:
The 300 year old Peacock Clock was created by Englishman James Cox. It is on a mound with different animals underneath. The dial of the clock is a mushroom and shows hours only. When the clock strikes at top of hour, all the animals come alive.
Leonardo DaVinci - Only 10 paintings by this artist has survived until today - the Hermitage museum has two of them. He was not a professional artist - he was a scientist- art was a hobby. He was an innovator in art: used minerals mixed with oils and added windows.
The Raphael's Ledger or Bible. The pictures were scenes from the Vatican palace based on the Old Testament (mixed in with some mythology). Images created by special permission in the Vatican and then brought to Russia by order of Catherine the Great.
The room of ancient knights.
Rembrandt was known as the master of hands and faces. Most of the painting is dark, those features are lighter. Notice this in the depiction of Abraham offering up Isaac.
The Prodigal Son was the very last painting by Rembrandt before he died. My favorite piece of the day!!
And of course it's always a treat to find Jehovah's name in this ancient art. Ps 83:18 Good eye, Stacy!
. . .and a Razorback for all those Hog fans!
The largest vase in the exhibition is solid jasper. Took 1200 horses to move it. And the piece was moved into place first and then the room was built around it.
Just plain funny - thanks Joe!
Stroganoff - finally!
As soon as I learned that Beef Stroganoff was a 19th century Russian dish, I was on a quest to get some. Of course, my group veto'd me and we had pizza last night (I know what you're thinking but I must admit it was really good). But to my surprise, our last group lunch in Russia was at the famous Stroganoff Steakhouse! And it was GOOD.
What no taters, just cant be!
ReplyDeleteI too loved the Rembrandt The Prodigal Son. He really caught the desperate state the son was in, didn't he? The light on the fathers hands, reassurance, confirmation of his love.
Thanks for sharing enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteRB