National Gallery extra credit

For extra credit:

Now that you’re familiar with major Renaissance art, its characteristics, and its historical context, I encourage you to visit the National Gallery of Art and view the relevant part of the NGA’s collection.

Due: Before the end of the quarter, which concludes on February 29.

Turn in:
1. A map, program, or other official NGA handout, with your name on it.
2. A photo or photos you in front of one of the works of Renaissance or Northern Renaissance art that we discussed in class. The best way to turn in the photo(s) is via email.

Hints & encouragements:
You won’t find any of the works in the quiz study guide, but the Gallery has quite a few of the other paintings and sculptures we viewed. I recommend taking photos with more than one piece to be sure you actually get one that we did cover.

Look for Madonnas, crucifixions, and big noses. If you’re a planner, hunt around online first to see which works are in the NGA’s collection, but don’t just rush in and right back out again. Take the opportunity to explore a little and show me that you did.

Do not, for the love of all that’s good in this world, miss the NGA’s full room of Raphael or its outstanding trove of vivid El Greco paintings (I didn’t show my favorite of the group, Saint Jerome, in class). Take a look as well at the Baroque Woodcuts special exhibition, which is filled with Albrecht Dürer, Lucas Cranach the Elder, and Titian works. Know, however, that photography is not allowed in that exhibition.

Best of all – downstairs, where the East and West wings connect, there’s a great gelateria (gelato = heavenly Italian ice cream) … highly recommended.

NGA photography policy:
Photography for personal use is permitted except in special exhibitions and where specifically prohibited. For our purposes, “special exhibitions” means you technically can’t take photos of pieces the Baroque Woodcuts exhibit.

Hours & location:
The National Gallery of Art, located on the National Mall between 3rd and 7th Streets at Constitution Avenue NW, is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Gallery is closed on December 25 and January 1.

posted by Duncan Brook - February 15, 2008