While in DC with the 8th grade class I had the opportunity to take my group to the National Gallery. We didn't have as much time as I'd like (of course I could spend days in there!) we did get to see Leonardo's Ginerva.
I was strangely taken by the painting. Of course I'd seen it in books for years, but nothing could prepare me for seeing her in person. I could wax on over her beauty, the brush strokes, etc. However that isn't what I felt while standing there mesmerized. What I felt was a timelessness in her gaze, an artist reaching across the centuries through his models face. I have to admit I was teary eyed and had to send my quickly bored students on to the next exhibit. Ok I realize that many people must have this reaction, I mean it is a Da Vinci I just didn't think I would go all fan girly right there in the museum!
2 comments:
I can identify completely! The day that I saw Van Gogh's work in person at the Louvre was almost a religious experience. His colors are so breathtaking and the feelings I got from his work were so overwhelming. And then we saw the Mona Lisa and I was overwhelmed again, such a presence! Now I know why she is one of the most famous paintings in the world.I count that day right up there as one of the most amazing experiences of my life.
Da Vinci captures humanity so well - and it really is striking in person (where on tv or in books, not so much). Too bad most kids don't appreciate it!
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