Boston--Another Art Mission
#84
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 0
Hi TDudette,
What a great trip report! So sorry that I did not see this sooner because I could have met you in Boston. (I usually only visit the Europe and sometimes the Lounge forums). Really enjoyed following your adventures.
Great that you connected with so many Fodorites and that they also contributed to the account. I love your theme of following Sargent - a few years back the MFA had a blockbuster show featuring his works. You really did your homework, especially the Boston Public Library holdings. Isn't Copley Square lovely? And you had such great weather. Thanks also for the pics.
Wow, I guess Boston hotels are expensive, but I have little experience with that since I only live 12 miles out. You did some fancy footwork getting around on the T. Glad you saw the renovated Harvard Museums - I haven't made it there yet, but they are on my agenda.
True, the Gardiner is a bit dark - you described it well. Sad to see those picture frames with their missing treasures, isn't it? I have a soft spot for the place since I graduated from Emmanuel College (we won't mention the year) which is next door on the Fenway.
You certainly did the Boston art scene proud. Again, an informative and fun report. I am off to Dublin for a week (including Bloomsday, June 16) soon.
What a great trip report! So sorry that I did not see this sooner because I could have met you in Boston. (I usually only visit the Europe and sometimes the Lounge forums). Really enjoyed following your adventures.
Great that you connected with so many Fodorites and that they also contributed to the account. I love your theme of following Sargent - a few years back the MFA had a blockbuster show featuring his works. You really did your homework, especially the Boston Public Library holdings. Isn't Copley Square lovely? And you had such great weather. Thanks also for the pics.
Wow, I guess Boston hotels are expensive, but I have little experience with that since I only live 12 miles out. You did some fancy footwork getting around on the T. Glad you saw the renovated Harvard Museums - I haven't made it there yet, but they are on my agenda.
True, the Gardiner is a bit dark - you described it well. Sad to see those picture frames with their missing treasures, isn't it? I have a soft spot for the place since I graduated from Emmanuel College (we won't mention the year) which is next door on the Fenway.
You certainly did the Boston art scene proud. Again, an informative and fun report. I am off to Dublin for a week (including Bloomsday, June 16) soon.
#86
Original Poster
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 31,163
Likes: 0
Oh darn, lateday. Sorry for the missed opportunity. Next time as I am sure to return. Boston is wonderful and yes, Copley great. It was very convenient for traveling. dfrostnh gets full marks for my brave T traveling as we figured it out together first and that made a difference.
DH and I kept our hotels at half what I paid at the Westin--even in NYC--but it was worth it me for the location. Oh my golly yes about the empty frames. Now my memory is fading but was one a Sargent?
Is the Harvard Museums a new building? or were the Fogg and another in there originally? It is a nice space.
I would like to learn more about Miss Isabella! Thanks for your kind words.
DH and I kept our hotels at half what I paid at the Westin--even in NYC--but it was worth it me for the location. Oh my golly yes about the empty frames. Now my memory is fading but was one a Sargent?
Is the Harvard Museums a new building? or were the Fogg and another in there originally? It is a nice space.
I would like to learn more about Miss Isabella! Thanks for your kind words.
#88
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 0
Hi again TDUDETTE,
You asked regarding the theft of paintings at the Isabel Stuart Gardner Museum, "Oh my golly yes about the empty frames. Now my memory is fading but was one a Sargent?"
No, but they included Rembrandts, a Vermeer, Degas and others. The heist occurred on St. Patrick's Day 1990 and remains one of the biggest unsolved art thefts of all time. A great deal has been written/televised about this robbery.
http://www.npr.org/2015/03/18/393565...gardner-museum
Then you remarked, "Is the Harvard Museums a new building?" My understanding is that 2 or 3 Harvard Museums have been combined somehow and renovated. As I said, I have not been there yet. Doesn't Harvard Square have a great vibe?
"I would like to learn more about Miss Isabella!" Good idea. I would suggest reading about the art critic/connoisseur/dealer Bernard Berenson who negotiated most of her purchases. Isabella was quite a gal. Berenson is fascinating for those like yourself who are interested in art.
Cigalechanta, thanks for your kind words. Glad you could connect with T-Dud in Cambridge. I hope to make that FGT with Thursdaysd in July.
You asked regarding the theft of paintings at the Isabel Stuart Gardner Museum, "Oh my golly yes about the empty frames. Now my memory is fading but was one a Sargent?"
No, but they included Rembrandts, a Vermeer, Degas and others. The heist occurred on St. Patrick's Day 1990 and remains one of the biggest unsolved art thefts of all time. A great deal has been written/televised about this robbery.
http://www.npr.org/2015/03/18/393565...gardner-museum
Then you remarked, "Is the Harvard Museums a new building?" My understanding is that 2 or 3 Harvard Museums have been combined somehow and renovated. As I said, I have not been there yet. Doesn't Harvard Square have a great vibe?
"I would like to learn more about Miss Isabella!" Good idea. I would suggest reading about the art critic/connoisseur/dealer Bernard Berenson who negotiated most of her purchases. Isabella was quite a gal. Berenson is fascinating for those like yourself who are interested in art.
Cigalechanta, thanks for your kind words. Glad you could connect with T-Dud in Cambridge. I hope to make that FGT with Thursdaysd in July.
#92
Original Poster
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 31,163
Likes: 0
It behooves a person to make sure a favorite is being shown, doesn't it. Things get rotated. I fell in with a Wyeth (either this one or similar: http://www.artnet.com/magazineus/new...l.asp?picnum=3 ) at the Brandywine Museum in PA. Upon a return visit it was out! A big disappointment.
Sargent was such an amazing talent. There is another set of murals "Gassed" which I had in my poor memory as in BPL but they are in the Imperial War Museum. Darn it.
Mimi, I ordered Mrs. Jack via Amazon!
Sargent was such an amazing talent. There is another set of murals "Gassed" which I had in my poor memory as in BPL but they are in the Imperial War Museum. Darn it.
Mimi, I ordered Mrs. Jack via Amazon!
#94
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,648
Likes: 0
Just caught up with your wonderful photos. I thought you might be interested in the story about the lions in front of the Copley Plaza Hotel. They were originally in front of the Kensington Hotel on Boylston Street. They later were moved to the Copley Plaza. A third lion on the Kensington's roof has not been located.
http://www.archboston.org/community/...ead.php?t=4565
http://www.archboston.org/community/...ead.php?t=4565
#97
Original Poster
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 31,163
Likes: 0
I finished "Mrs. Jack." Thanks for the suggestion, Mimi. I wished to see the newspaper versions of her shenanigans! And photos of her costumes. At the museum, a sign said that Mrs. Jack let Sargent use the room with her portrait as his studio. One wanted to know more about their relationship.





