Saturday, November 9, 2013

An Overdue Visit to The Art Institute of Chicago


You know how it goes. When you live in a fascinating city, you don’t take the time to see and appreciate the sights unless someone comes in town. I don’t.

Recently I had the opportunity to visit The Art Institute of Chicago. It has been far too long so I took my daughter and one of her girlfriends who had never been to Chicago before.


Here are two of my favorite things:

Marc Chagall’s stained glass:





 And the most stunning piece in the place and my personal favorite is an oil on canvas by a French painter named Jules-Adolphe Breton. It is titled The Song of the Lark, 1884. This painting glows in your presence! I could stand before it for hours.




at

18 comments:

  1. StacieNovember 9, 2013 at 1:16 PM

    I don't get to the NY museums nearly enough either. Glad you went and thanks for sharing your favs!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. GinaNovember 9, 2013 at 10:51 PM

      I will have the opportunity again next weekend. A fellow pilgrim I met in Spain is visiting me. She loves art like me; so we will make the rounds of the sights. Hope it's warm enough for an architectural tour.

      Delete
  2. Robbie KNovember 9, 2013 at 5:50 PM

    very beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. GinaNovember 9, 2013 at 10:51 PM

      There are some very beautiful pieces there!

      Delete
  3. JackNovember 9, 2013 at 7:57 PM

    I love Chagall's work. When I was in Israel in '98 I made myself crazy trying to decide whether I was going to buy one of his paintings. It was at a store next to the King David Hotel in Jerusalem.

    They had a bunch of different paintings and frames that had been painted to go along with the individual paintings.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. GinaNovember 9, 2013 at 10:56 PM

      So did you???

      It's hard for me to travel and not buy some sort of art. I recently got a beautiful water color (surprise present) of a small Tuscan village on was in on my birthday. I love the memories pieces of art represent.

      I would have loved that shop!

      Delete
    2. JackNovember 10, 2013 at 9:44 PM

      I bought one, but not on that trip. Regretted not doing so at the time, but I was 29 and felt so damn broke...

      Delete
    3. GinaNovember 10, 2013 at 10:24 PM

      I was broke at 29 too. Or maybe it was having an addition to the family at that time that stressed the finances a bit. However, getting ready for a raise with a college graduation in six weeks!

      Delete
  4. MelissaNovember 9, 2013 at 9:26 PM

    Thanks for reminding me I need to go back to our art museum (Milwaukee). Maybe someday I will go to the one in Chicago, but there is so much to be explored about ours first.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. GinaNovember 9, 2013 at 10:57 PM

      Yes! Exploring a city takes time. But so fun!

      Delete
  5. AzaraNovember 10, 2013 at 1:54 AM

    I love the feeling of movement in the bird's tail. Gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. GinaNovember 10, 2013 at 10:25 PM

      Hi Azara! I've missed you!!!

      The photo doesn't do it justice, of course!

      Delete
  6. KenNovember 10, 2013 at 9:10 AM

    I've been to the art gallery in the city near where I live, exactly 1 time. And that was on a field trip with our high school art class. So, years and years ago! I think a trip might have to be added to my "things to do" list.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. GinaNovember 10, 2013 at 10:26 PM

      It was wonderfully peaceful meandering quietly around. Such respect and reverence shown by everyone.

      Do it!!!

      Delete
  7. AnonymousNovember 10, 2013 at 11:18 AM

    You may not go on your own, but at least you took the opportunity to visit when you had out of town guests.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. GinaNovember 10, 2013 at 10:30 PM

      I have another friend coming to the city this week so back I go because it's on her Chicago list. I'm excited!

      Delete
  8. AnonymousJanuary 9, 2014 at 7:39 PM

    Hi Gina, I know you posted this a while ago, but I wanted to tell you I just love that Chagall! The blue is mesmerizing. I'll check the Breton out that next time I'm in Chicago. I don't recall that one. Thanks for posting. Suzanne/www.RoamingArts.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnonymousJanuary 9, 2014 at 7:39 PM

    Hi Gina, I know you posted this a while ago, but I wanted to tell you I just love that Chagall! The blue is mesmerizing. I'll check the Breton out that next time I'm in Chicago. I don't recall that one. Thanks for posting. Suzanne/www.RoamingArts.com

    ReplyDelete