Perhaps the most breathtaking article you’ve written — not only about the missing masterpieces but what we can and should do for ourselves to take in what we can, how we can, when we can. Last week, in Rome, I stood in front of some pieces that, indeed, took my breath away. Last year, as well, in Paris. The moments never fail to move me in ways that something virtual never could. There is nothing like a moment, between you and the creator. Thanks for these articles.
Thank you James! I had never considered art from the perspective of its disappearance. Not in the way you invited us to do with this story. It's not only the art piece itself, but its absence and what its absence means that I found so moving.
Thank you James! I had never considered art from the perspective of its disappearance. Not in the way you invited us to do with this story. It's not only the art piece itself, but its absence and what its absence means that I found so moving.
“When you stand in a museum, you are reading that third book, the one a civilization writes in paint: the record of how people saw the world, and what they felt about being alive in it.”
15 years ago the sentence above would have been upgraspable by me. Ten years ago I started writing and painting and my entire worldview has turned topsy-turvy.
How cool is that?! 😎
Thank you for your effort in sharing and teaching!
I'm still reeling from the theft at the Louvre. Napoleon's jewels, honestly! It beggars belief they were guarded so haphazardly. Thefts of great artwork such as these, are crimes against humanity.
I looked and looked and finally spotted the last one. He has his back to us. If you find the guy barfing (at the bottom, red cloak) look carefully above his left shoulder (facing him). There he is.
Thanks for pointing this out. I, too, count a total of 13 figures. We can imagine, for example, that Rembrandt has taken Judas out of the picture, and replaced him with himself. Paintings are made to invite us into the picture, so this would be one way to look at this painting- there would be others. Of course, James Lucas has very bright eyes.....
A heartbreaking piece. And you are quite right, we take much for granted and yes nothing lasts forever. Behold beauty while you can. Nobody can steal what you hold in your mind's eye. Excellent and thank you as always.
Perhaps the most breathtaking article you’ve written — not only about the missing masterpieces but what we can and should do for ourselves to take in what we can, how we can, when we can. Last week, in Rome, I stood in front of some pieces that, indeed, took my breath away. Last year, as well, in Paris. The moments never fail to move me in ways that something virtual never could. There is nothing like a moment, between you and the creator. Thanks for these articles.
Beautifully said. My sentiments exactly!!!
I deeply thank you for this. I was moved to tears.
Just upgraded my sub to paid.
You are a wonderful writer and I really enjoy your posts. This is the one that nudged me to upgrade. Thank you!
Thank you James! I had never considered art from the perspective of its disappearance. Not in the way you invited us to do with this story. It's not only the art piece itself, but its absence and what its absence means that I found so moving.
You write so beautifully. A highlight of my day, every time you post. thank you.
This is a fantastic offering ! I love this substack and am so grateful to have been an art history major.
Thank you James! I had never considered art from the perspective of its disappearance. Not in the way you invited us to do with this story. It's not only the art piece itself, but its absence and what its absence means that I found so moving.
You write with your heart! This was great. Now I need to read The Monuments Men again! ☺️
Best first sentence ever.....
The movie is great, too!
Good reminder! Thank you!
Beautifully written. Thank you.
I've seen the empty frames at the Gardner. So eerie.
“When you stand in a museum, you are reading that third book, the one a civilization writes in paint: the record of how people saw the world, and what they felt about being alive in it.”
15 years ago the sentence above would have been upgraspable by me. Ten years ago I started writing and painting and my entire worldview has turned topsy-turvy.
How cool is that?! 😎
Thank you for your effort in sharing and teaching!
Thoroughly enjoyed this one. Thank you!
I'm still reeling from the theft at the Louvre. Napoleon's jewels, honestly! It beggars belief they were guarded so haphazardly. Thefts of great artwork such as these, are crimes against humanity.
Help … I am not seeing the 12th apostle/13th figure … aside from Christ, I see 12 other figures. Are you saying there are 14?
I looked and looked and finally spotted the last one. He has his back to us. If you find the guy barfing (at the bottom, red cloak) look carefully above his left shoulder (facing him). There he is.
Oh wow! I see him now. Thanks much.
Thanks for pointing this out. I, too, count a total of 13 figures. We can imagine, for example, that Rembrandt has taken Judas out of the picture, and replaced him with himself. Paintings are made to invite us into the picture, so this would be one way to look at this painting- there would be others. Of course, James Lucas has very bright eyes.....
A heartbreaking piece. And you are quite right, we take much for granted and yes nothing lasts forever. Behold beauty while you can. Nobody can steal what you hold in your mind's eye. Excellent and thank you as always.
Your insight is just brilliant!