After a week of submersion with the Bald Eagles at Conowingo Dam, I must confess that I’m birded out. My little creative brain needs a break from beaks and feathers and wants to take a stroll through the National Gallery of Art.
A place not only of beauty itself, the treasures it contains are spectacular. Going to the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC for me is like Br’er Rabbit going into his briar patch. The light outside shines the entryway into my little secret retreat, so come and enter with me.
There are two interior courtyards where time stands still. With water fountains with happy cherubs and verdant peaceful surroundings, I am invited to sit and let my spirit catch its breath. It is here that my mind starts to clear and my breath begins to ease and the heavy weight of life’s pressures lighten. It is my secret hideaway where no one can find me, and beauty surrounds me with its magical protection.
In the rotunda of the west wing of the National Gallery of Art stands high a bronze statue of Mercury. Mercury is a Roman God of commerce, trade and travel. Wearing winged sandals, Mercury is swift on his feet ready to travel if need be. Guiding my way, Mercury tells me to be light on my feet and be ready to adapt to whatever comes my way.
The artwork in the side rooms draw me in to appreciate the masterpieces of art masters of generations before. A contradiction of prudence and decadence reminds me to find balance in my life. One extreme or the other are beautiful in their own way, but finding myself with elements of both attributes helps keep myself well grounded.
Sometimes imitation is the best compliment. Paint easels sit at the ready for an artist to come and replicate a masterpiece. A lesson for me to realize that learning from others can save myself a lot of trial and tribulation. Allowing other people’s experience guide the path for me, I can start on the right path of my journey through this thing called life.
But the artwork speaks volumes to me through its expression and story telling. They were the photographers of past centuries, capturing life’s moments for future generations to enjoy.
It is this fabric of textures and patterns that begin to weave the tapestry of life. The light shines through the patterns and consistencies in life to keep drawing me back to the main path.
I hope you enjoyed this stroll with me through the National Gallery of Art and your spirit was able to enjoy the escape.
Categories: Foot Prints, travel, Washington DC
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
Stirs up a lot of good memories. I used to work there as a docent in the Eighties.
What a fabulous place to work. I bet you miss it dearly.
That copper lamp is stunning and I’ve seen that statue of Mercury before. Is the fifth picture of “Reclining Hermaphrodite”?
Thank you so much for your compliments. I didn’t know of the name of that sculpture, so I went and looked it up. The answer is no, it’s something different. Now I have get back there and figure it out!
Thanks so much for the peaceful stroll through the gallery. Your images are really lovely, and I so enjoyed them. I love the silence of such places. It’s as though one is walking on hallowed ground.
I am so happy you enjoyed these. You’re right, I never could quite put my finger on it. it is so serene there it could indeed be hallowed ground.
I have never been here; but I feel that I was now. What a gorgeous gallery brought out by your brilliant photography. Stunning!!
It is truly a special museum and wish everyone could experience it. Thank you so much for your kind words Judy.
Very lovely shot, place like this leave space for reflections – people should allow themselves visiting them once a while… 🙂
Yes they should Drake ! Life is too short not to be able to spend time and enjoy the artistic masterpieces around us.
A blogging tour de force. Loved it.
Thank you so much Rachel ! So happy you enjoyed this. 🙂
Wonderful photos and commentary Emily! Thanks for taking me on the tour!
It is my pleasure Phil ! Ever come to DC, I’ll take you there!
What a great tour and photos. It has been too long since I have been there. I need more art in my life!
We all can benefit from more art in our lives. It is too easily taken for granted.
Great photos, Emily. So were your french “ponies”! 🙂
Thank you so much Bente ! So wonderful you’ve enjoyed the posts this weekend. 🙂
Heaven! I love this place… You can tell you love it so, too. I used to haunt the Met in a similar way — I miss it terribly.
Would you believe I’ve never been in the Met? Need to add that to “Must see” list. Thanks!
oh man… you would LOVE! i haunted that place (and many other NYC museums) when i studied art there. the met, though… wow. you can visit every day for weeks and see something new each time. such a treat.
This is one of my favorite refuges in DC–thank you for this lovely virtual visit.