National Portrait Gallery Shows Some International Flavor

Where: National Portrait Gallery

When: closing November 12, 2018

This look at Swiss portraiture marks the beginning of a new venture at the National Portrait Gallery, called Portraits of the World.  It's meant to show how works by artists from other countries have influenced American portraiture, and this first offering was quite interesting.

Ferdinand Hodler's "Woman in Ecstasy: Giulia Leonardi" is the featured painting - seen here.  This work has both the specificity of his particular subject, along with the universality of the human joy in movement.  Hodler was interested in nature's rhythmic patterns, and his work resonated with his contemporaries in the world of dance.

In dialogue with this portrait are several works of dancers and dancing, including one of my favorites: a chromolithograph of Loie Fuller at the Folies Bergere.  Her dancing and use of extravagant costuming and lighting made her revered among the French, who considered her the embodiment of Art Nouveau.  Considering how beautiful Art Nouveau works are, that's quite the compliment.

Verdict: The plan is that each year, the NPG will showcase a different country, and they're off to a fine start.  I look forward to seeing and learning more in future.

McCain photo

Where: National Portrait Gallery

When: closing September 9, 2018 (today)

I actually saw this photograph a while ago, and life has prevented me from posting until now.  The past few weeks have been rough in terms of museum visits; I've had foot problems, the weather has been either super humid or rainy and work has been frantic.  But tomorrow begins a new week, and I'm hoping I will get the chance to see something wonderful I can share with you next weekend.

There were a large number of people looking at this portrait when I was there; no surprise.  There was also a condolence book, which I don't believe I've seen before.  I have mixed feelings about McCain, and I think people are romanticizing him and what his death means for American politics.

Yes, he would cross the aisle to support legislation from time to time, but the rancor in Washington has existed for a long time now; I don't remember the Reagan administration as some sort of bastion of good behavior.  And remember, if you've heard of Sarah Palin, it's because of John McCain.

On the other hand, he wasn't a megalomaniac who requires a constant spotlight and a parade of sycophants to sing his praises 24/7, so you've got to give him that.

McCain said, perhaps in his autobiography, that he was honored to have played a small part in the nation's history, and this photograph seems a visual representation of that.  He is surrounded by the Capitol building's columns, which tower over him, as if to remind the viewer that no one person is greater than the country itself.

Verdict: Worth a look, if you're out in today's wet weather.