Highlights From The Wallace Collection: The 16th Century Gallery

Painted enamel dish, Limoges, Martial Courteys, c.1580

Ah, The Wallace Collection! Even as I contemplate only tackling the highlights, the vastness of this collection overwhelms me and I know that it is a practically impossible task.

Still, today I am in London and, after a long, long time, have returned to my favorite museum.… Read the rest

Highlights From The Wallace Collection

Fruit and Flowers, Jan van Huysum

Ah, The Wallace Collection! Even as I contemplate only tackling the highlights from The Wallace Collection, the vastness of this collection overwhelms me and I know that it is a practically impossible task.

Still, today I am in London and, after a long, long time, have returned to my favorite museum.… Read the rest

Villa Borghese

Tempio di Esculapio across the lake in Villa Borghese

If there’s one thing Italy does well (after gelato), it’s Villas.  Villa d’Este was a fantastic example of this, Villa Borghese is another.  Whilst the Palazzos and Castellos are interesting and impressive, the villa gives way from the regal, political and military to a more laid back take on Italian lifestyle, architecture and the outdoors, namely a garden. … Read the rest

Versailles

Versailles, Treasures from the Palace, a wonderful exhibition at the the National Gallery of Australia (NGA).  I’m in the Christmas lull – coming down from all the excitement and expectations, frantic present and grocery shopping, planning, packing, traveling and the glorious high of a family Christmas Eve, Santa’s visit and too much Christmas Day lunch. … Read the rest