Kunst Historische Museum

outside the museum
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08/03/06

Today we went to the Kunst Historische Museum. I was really sad that the Renaissance, etc, wing was closed, but it was still interesting to see the other things. I have always been interested in Ancient Egypt so it was really neat to see some of that. I thought their setup was really interesting and thought it made the exhibits feel less like a museum display and more like their authentic surroundings. I thought it was interesting to see the Greco-Roman artwork too because of its great influence on later work. Their exhibit was also more “atmospheric” and helped to give the art context. I love how lifelike their faces were. My favorite part of the Romans exhibit was the room with the sea of heads. It was really impressive to see all of those faces. I especially like the bust of Hadrian. I don’t remember enough history to know what kind of person he was, but his statues were very lifelike and friendly looking. I thought it was neat to have history literally staring back at me. I felt very connected.

I thought it was neat to have history literally staring back at me. I felt very connected.

me with hadrian
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I noticed that many of the paintings used similar subjects and language and that these subjects were either treated differently or rejected during fin-de-siècle Vienna. Every time I saw a Judith I was reminded of Klimt’s Judith. I thought it was cool that the society of the time affected the artist’s rendering of the different subjects. The various archangel Michael’s glorified different aspects of humanity based on the period/location in which they were painted. I thought it was interesting the choice of the repeated subjects, such as Salome. I didn’t know much about that story before this class and apparently it was a very popular topic. I understand something as central to Christianity as the crucifixion being repeated over and over, but Salome? Perhaps they were emphasizing the female stereotype we discussed in lecture yesterday. Women like Salome (and on some level even women like Eve) upheld the idea that women were temptresses and evil. The other side of the stereotype was also popular: Madonna with Child. Fragile feminine starring as the perfect (even Virgin!) mother. Out of all of the Bible stories to create art from I wouldn’t normally choose Salome. There are so many powerful stories (and even good ones that are tragic) that I don’t think I would choose one as gruesome and non-uplifting as Salome. I would probably choose Ruth or Jonathan and David or Mary washing Jesus’s feet. Does this only say something about me personally or is it a reflection of my culture? I know I like these stories because I value friendship, loyalty, honor, love, as well as bittersweet tales. I’m not sure that society necessarily values these things. I suppose this is why the WAWA circles are important to understanding art.

on the way home. in the rain. as always. haha
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I think it is interesting that Austrian/Viennese cuisine doesn’t really exist except as a mélange of ethnic foods. Walking around the city now with the plethora of Turkish, Greek, Indian, etc, foods it made me feel like I am taking part in at least the spirit of the Viennese food at the turn of the century. I feel like I should eat Viennese food while I’m in Vienna, but I find that it is really hard to define because it is so diverse. I’m glad that I find most of it very tasty and think that variety of flavors and cultures is awesome for creating good food ( and a good society :0, )