French Rococo at the Getty

While in LA, I hightailed it to the Getty to see the exhibit 'Paris: Life and Luxury'

The exhibit focuses on the home life of Parisians of the 18th century -a spectacular time and the objects on display will make your mouth water.

While photographs weren't allowed in the exhibit, I was able to take a few pictures of this French Rococo Parisian room (1730-1755) from the permanent collection (much like the period rooms at the Met). Light was so important so the boiseries were painted light colors to reflect candlelight and costly mirrors were integrated wherever possible.I'm happy to report to those naysayers, that the Getty burns the wicks of all the candles in their exhibits! If it's good enough for the Getty, it's enough reason for me!

Just because it's pretty

Do we bloggers always need a reason to post pretty pictures? I for one don't think so. Sometimes we (or at least I) go to a museum simply to see something pretty and not neccesarily to learn anything. Is that too honest?

If you need another reason, it's my birthday; A little pretty is required. Shown here are some period rooms and furnishings from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. A bust of Louis XV at the age of 47 by Lemoyne and presented to his mistress, Madame de Pompadour (beat that portrait to your mistress, Congressman Weiner)

I show a lot of pictures of chandeliers on my blog I'm starting to realize. Would you believe I don't even own one myself?

Gilded lit a la duchesse (or flying tester bed) by Georges Jacob. Enjoy!

Shadows

I apologize for the lack of posts lately; I've had some technical difficulties and a rather full work life keeping me otherwise occupied. Before I was entirely forgotten, I wanted to just post a few photos of this marvelous malachite urn at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Probaly the most fascinating thing about it, other than that emerald green color, are the shadows created from the lighting. Two points to be made here: sometimes the affect of an object is more important than its existence and if you look past the obvious, sometimes you find something even more interesting. I'll be back soon!

Chinoiserie automaton

While working on a more in-depth post of a fantastic building I visited recently, I wanted to leave you with something just to let you know I'm still around! Located at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a collection of ingenius bejeweled objects known as automatons. These machines, popular in the mid 18th century (as so many of my favorite things were!), were mechanical moving devices; a sort of early day robot! Often they were more than a mere toy and incorporated something useful, such as the clock seen here. Made by James Cox in London, 1766, this device still would fascinate and amaze the most ardent anti-antiquarian!

Superstitions

Do you hold any superstitions? I don't mean picking up pennies and avoiding black cats, this is a design blog after all! While going through some photos I took in the Metropolitan Museum of Art earlier this year, I noticed that these wall lights had the candle wicks left unburnt. I've always been taught that tapers should be charred before being left in a candlestick; not sure why, but I've always followed this rule. I know it comes from some unknown superstition but I can't seem to find what would happen if I didn't burn them! Do you follow this practice?
These rococo wall lights are manufactored by the Royal Porcelain Factory in Berlin in the 1760s.

Under the sea

Truth is sometimes stranger than fiction. These gorgeous shells, on display at the Smithsonian Castle, are similar to intricate jewelry. They are part of the exhibit The Smithsonian Institution, America's Treasure Chest.I urge you all to visit the historic Smithsonian castle and check out the treasures of the institution! And just to accompany these gorgeous shells, a gorgeous voice singing about the fishes in the sea....Nina Simone, Feeling Good

Canaletto at NGA

Have weekend plans here in DC? Why not stop by the National Gallery of Art to see the current show entitled Venice: Canaletto and his rivals. Canaletto seems to be in the air here in DC, with numerous galleries and antique shops throughout Georgetown showcasing paintings in similar style. At the entrance to the exhibit is an original 19th century gondola that was purchased by the artist Thomas Moran and brought to his house on Long Island.The timing seems ideal as I'm currently obsessed with the Venetian fantasy that is Vizcaya. You'll find me at NGA on Saturday!

Photos taken with my camera phone a few weeks prior to help me to remember to visit the exhibit!

New York, New York

I'm back from a fun filled weekend spent in New York with the highlight being a visit to my favorite museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Admittedly, I'm not there for the art. I adore the period rooms and have seen them literally hundereds of times (but can never get enough).My favorite has always been the moody Venetian bedroom, seen in the top 2 photos.

The beauty is that there is something for everyone!

The details of these rooms are just amazing, no matter which period.The lighting is spectacular; Different details are highlighted, moods created and scenes come to life in dappled sunlight.You can get up close and personal with items from history, who can ask for more?Room after room -it's an entire day spent admiring the architecture and design of the past.After being indoors all day a quick trip through Central Park, seen below, and lunch in my favorite nearby restaurant, EAT cafe, completes the adventure!

The perfect Saturday in the city in my book!

Textile Museum

Located above the Museu de Arts Decoratives in the Palau Reial de Padralbes is the Barcelona Textile Museum.

Not where you would probably expect me to be spending time, but honestly, we had some time to kill! What a pleasant surprise I had in store.

The amazing collection traces the evolution of fashion: providing interesting 'how tos' such as how the 'new look' bust was created, seen above, and contrasting elements of different styles.

The patterns of these victorian skirts below were contrasted to a much later 20th century version.

And just how are those hoop skirts held high? Well, here's how! Seeing the clothing in person and relatively close up was much better than reading about them in a book or magazine.The workmanship and details on some of the pieces were amazing, especially loved this flapper look. Notice the white suit in the background, so Gatsby'esque!

Examples such as these mid 19th century Empire styled dresses were in such immaculate condition with such vivid colors you would have thought they were just sewn yesterday.Seeing this fairly recent dress compared with an Edwardian train was another example of a great pairing.And just how are those bustles kept up (throughout different periods)?The layout of this exhibit really is impeccable. I always say the right presentation can make the most mundane exhibit interesting (I recently saw a fascinating exhibit on parking garages at the NBM. Come on, I mean...they made parking structures interesting!).These bodices were in such beautiful colors.More amazing beading work.This is a whole lot of look, but in the right situation, pretty fabulous!Spain's own Balenciaga is of course represented. I loved all of his clothing they showed. Some more bizarre pairings showing yet again how things never change; they just come in and out of fashion, nothing is ever 'new'. These body conscious dresses below come from all different styles and time periods.Not everything is so beautiful, will these ever be back in style? That red men's polyester number really made my skin itch!Make sure to stop by this amazing museum, right on the metro line. You can't beat 3 museums in 1: Textile, Ceramics and decorative arts.

Katherine Hepburn

While going through some pictures I took, I came across this photo of Katherine Hepburn's portrait at the National Portrait gallery along with 4 of her oscars. I love that you can see how the Oscar has changed over the years since its' beginnings in 1927; larger as time has passed (much like our nation's cars and waist bands!). Stamps with Hepburn's image are currently available at the USPS HERE. I used them on my Christmas cards this year and have already had a lot of comments about them! I may have to stock up again.

Did you remember?

I love this poster from the National Museum of American History, a branch of the Smithsonians.

Produced during war time in the 1940s, home gardens have seen a resurgence in recent years, even at the White House! I can think of nothing better than opening up a can of pears in syrup right now in this snow but sadly, no garden here. Do you save your summer crops?