A visit to The Minneapolis Institute of Arts

 I recently visited The Minneapolis Institute of Arts; even though it's not anywhere near NYC, I would like to write a few lines about it in this blog, as it's definitely worth a visit should you find yourself in the area.  The museum has a vast collection of European and American art from early 1900s and before.  You will find on display artists such as Bouguereau, Sargent and Rembrandt. Some of the most representative pieces can be seen below.  Also in the museum is a great collection of Asian art and artifacts, as well as contemporary Western art.  The museum is adjacent to the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, MCAD, a well known art school in the Twin Cities.  Admission to the museum is free of charge. 

Albert Joseph Moore, Battledore, Oil on Canvas

Chardin, The Attributes of the Arts and the Rewards Which Are Accorded to Them, Oil on Canvas

Bartolome Esteban Murillo, Penitent Magdelene, Oil on Canvas

Jean-Leon Gerome, The Carpet Merchant, Oil on Canvas

Henri Fantin-Latour, Roses, Oil on Canvas

Museum Atrium

Jacob Collins' New Works at Christie's

Jacob Collin's show at Christie's has been one of the most inspirational exhibitions I have seen all year.  30 recent works of his were on display in the large, elegant gallery, in midtown Manhattan.  The views from the gallery are spectacular.  The artwork is wonderful.  In particular I was amazed by his drawings, which were grouped in one room, and shared a deep emotional quality and superb execution.  More details and images can be found here:

http://www.christiesprivatesales.com/exhibitions/jacobcollins/

Paul G. Oxborough at Eleanor Ettinger Gallery

Paul G. Oxborough is an incredible artist from Minneapolis, MN.  Go and see his show at Eleanor Ettinger Gallery in NYC if you can.  He has 36 paintings on display there, which include a couple of outstanding self portraits, many interiors, and some outdoor scenes.  All the work is dynamically lit and lively.  While generally large some of the most interesting paintings of his are the small ones (see the last two photos, the paintings are around 6" x 8").   More information about the show can be found here: http://www.eegallery.com/exh/12.10/inx1.html  Enjoy!

Mantegna to Matisse at the Frick Museum

The Frick museum has an incredible exhibition of drawings on view, until Jan 27th, titled Mantegna to Matisse: Master Drawings from the Courtauld Gallery.  More information is available on their website, from which I cite: "This exhibition marks the first time that so many of the principal drawings in The Courtauld's renowned collection — one of Britain's most important — have been made available for loan."  I was very pleased to look at superb drawings by Michelangelo, Pontormo, Ribera and many more.  There are some modern drawings on view as well, from Degas, and Picasso among others.  An all encompassing and truly amazing show. Go see it!

http://www.frick.org/exhibitions/courtauld

Pontormo, Seated Youth, 1520