Treasures from the MET part II - American Wing

The American Wing at the Metropolitan Art Museum has been recently renovated, and is now open to the public. In its twenty some sky lit galleries you will find oil paintings by American masters such as John Singleton Copley, Thomas Eakins and John Singer Sargent.  Be prepared to encounter a crowd that is now visiting these galleries, but also to find beautiful and fascinating works of art.  This is a collection that is worth seeing even if you have to squeeze in :)

The Wyndham Sisters, John Singer Sargent, 1899, Detail

The MET main atrium

The Writing Master, Thomas Eakins, 1882

Padre Sebastiano, John Singer Sargent, 1905

The Thinker: Portrait of Louis N Kenton, Thomas Eakins, 1900

The Thinker: Portrait of Louis N Kenton, Thomas Eakins, 1900, Detail

Treasures from the MET -Islamic Art

"The Making of a Collection, Islamic Art at the Metropolitan" is a wonderful exhibition on view now through February 5th at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC.   The exhibition comprises of a number of rooms all beautifully decorated with authentic furniture, wood carvings, mosaics, pottery and numerous illuminated manuscripts, from the Arab regions of Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria etc.  The attention to detail in all these works is astonishing, and the overall impression is breath-taking.  For a moment you may forget you're in NY - momentarily I felt transported to the lands of the Scheherazade, of beauty and poetry, and I truly enjoyed this trip.  Here are photos from this show.  Also here is an article written in Vogue Magazine, giving further insight into this exhibit: http://www.vogue.com/magazine/article/navina-najat-haidar-the-magic-touch/#1

Jean-Leon Gerome, Bashi-Bazouk, 1868-1869

Charles Bargue, Bashi-Bazouk, 1875

Nelson Shanks @ Berry-Hill Galleries

Nelson Shanks's solo exhibition is on view now, until January 27th, at Berry-Hill Galleries in NYC.  The show includes about 20 portraits and studio paintings, that span from the 80's until today.  A few of my favorite pieces can be seen below.  Nelson Shanks has been recognized as one of the leading figures of contemporary realism, and so I recommend this show to anyone interested in this genre.  He makes use of bolder colors, and creates more complex compositions than most realists, therefore I would argue his is fine art with a decorative touch.  Excellence in technique and a unique approach to classical subjects make his work memorable and definitely worth seeing.

Princeton University Art Museum, must see

The Princeton University Art Museum hosts some wonderful works of art by masters such as Monet, Sargent, Rembrandt and more.  You will find these always on display as well as periodic exhibitions that range from video/computer installations, to Japanese prints and contemporary photography.  This is a museum where all genres are represented in a tasteful manner, and of the highest quality.  It is a beautiful building, close to a gorgeous garden, so all in all it's 100% worth the trip.  Here are some photos to prove my point :)