Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art located on the eastern edge of Central Park. "The Met has a permanent collection containing more than two million works of art, divided into nineteen curatorial departments. The main building, often referred to simply as “the Met”, it is one of the world’s largest art galleries. In the permanent collection are works of art from classical remains and Ancient Egypt, paintings and sculptures from nearly all the European masters, and an extensive collection of American and modern art. The Met also maintains holdings of African, Asian, Oceanic, Byzantine, and Islamic art." (Wikipedia) Here are some of the works that I enjoyed the most.

“Offering table of Amenemhat I” Dynasty 12, this great altar was used for the presentation of offerings in the funerary temple of Amenemhat I. "The top has a deep trough for libations and is carved with a conical loaf of bread on a mat, the hieroglyphic sign for offerings. The loaf, inscribed with the king’s names, is flanked by liberation vessels and round cakes." (The Met) I like how the figures on the table represent Upper and Lower Egypt. I have a big fascination with Egypt and I loved viewing all the Egypt artifacts at the museum. I also like the stone, I wonder how they were able to move sure heavy pieces without advanced technology.

“Marble statue of a lion” This is a Greek statue said to been found in Trastevere near Porta Portese, Rome. "Marble statues of lions were sometimes used as tomb monuments or as guardians at both ends of a large tomb façade. Like many classical Greek works of art." (The Met) I was drawn to this statue because the lion was in a pouncing stance with its mouth open. I like how it was shown in its natural position. Also I like how the artist choose marble to create this piece, I feel it works well with capturing the lions natural state.

“Terracotta bell-Krater” 440 B.C. This is a Greek bowl for mixing wine and water. "Persephone, the daughter of the goddess Demeter, was condemned to half of each year with Hades." (The Met) I really like the shape of these bowls and I find it interesting how today our bowls are nothing like this yet we do have vases which are similar to this terracotta bowl.

“Cleopatra”- marble carving by William Wetmore Story from 1819 to 1895. "Cleopatra exemplifies Story’s penchant for depicting famous or infamous personalities from history as they contemplate past deeds or forthcoming actions of significance. She was the last Macedonian ruler of Egypt, meditates suicide, the asp curled around her arm predicts her death from its venomous bite. She is dressed in a nemes, royal head cloth with the uraeus cobra headdress." (The Met) I think this sculpture is very beautiful and I like the way story chose to position her. I also like how she is sitting in a non-formal position. Her clothing was carved in great detail along with her physical features showing off her beauty.

"View of Oyster Bay”- Louis C. Tiffany, leaded favrile glass. I enjoy this glass piece because it is very unique and I like how the illusion window is framed by a trellis and vines dripping with blue and while blossoms. The view of the stain glass is remarkable; I would like to see Oyster Bay to perceive how the window captures its essences or not.

“Panther and Cubs” – "This bronze statue was created by Edward Kemeys from 1843-1907. Kemeys was America’s first animal sculptor of significance his works were inspired by the untamed beasts, he observed during frequent trips to the mountains and plains of the American west." (The Met) He focused on panthers because it varied emotional states from fierce to material tenderness. Although this didnt have great detail, I feel the material works well and shows the ture love of motherhood.

“Garden landscape and Fountain” –Tiffany’s
I thought this was a beautiful fountain and I love the glass mosaic. I like the shimmering landscape with the flow of the water below. It made me feel very relaxed when I was looking at it. This was created in 1915 and looks so peaceful like it could be a dream.

“Burgonet” –Filippo Negroli Italian (Milan), dated 1543.
"This helmet embossed steel damascened with gold is a masterpiece of Renaissance metal work. It was formed from one plate of steel and painted to look like bronze. The bowl is raised in high relief with motifs inspired by classical art. It has a graceful siren forming the helmet’s comb which holds a scowl head of Medusa by the hair." (The Met) The sides of the helmet are covered with acanthus scrolls which are derived from ancient Roman sculpture and wall paintings. I wonder how much protection this helmet gave the men who wore it. I think it is very beautiful and unique.

“Siren”
I found this Bronze piece to be very unique and looks like a strange mermaid. I way she was holding her two tails upward signified a heraldic device of the Colonna, a powerful Roman family. This piece would be placed outside set high for all to see. I like how her face appeared to be calm even though she had her crown on and tails up defensively.

“Virgin and Child” I recognized this piece first when I stepped into the first room of the gallery. It was painted by Murillo’s in 1670. I feel this is a very beautiful work of Madonna and child it is very sweet and intimate.