|
|
Famous Art Galleries
Date Added: December 09, 2008 06:10:24 AM
There are apples and there are apples. While almost every city in the world lays claim to a great art gallery, there are very few that are globally recognized and famous. People, art lovers, historians and the commoners all flock to these art galleries travelling all across the world just to see some of the master pieces that these galleries house.
Probably the most famous art gallery in the world is 'The Louvre' in Paris. The most famous piece of art in the Louvre is the Mona Lisa, by Leonardo Da Vinci. This famous painting is kept under high security as it tops the list of art thieves the world over. The Louvre also houses many other famous paintings by Da Vinci and hundreds of other famous artists. The Metropolitan Museum of Art , in New York City, is another home to incredible works of art. For Americans, it's a great place to see works by famous fellow countrymen, but there are also important works from all over the globe. Some of these are paintings and sculptures by Botticelli, Raphael, and El Greco.
The National Gallery in London England is another amazing art gallery. It houses some of the most fantastic examples of European art, including paintings by Raphael, Manet, Da Vinci, Renoir, and Monet. The sheer number of paintings makes this gallery a must see for any art aficionado. Several of the most notable paintings here are Sunflowers, by Vincent van Gogh, The Virgin of the Rocks, by Leonardo Da Vinci, and Venus and Mars, by Sandro Botticelli. While most art galleries cater to the works of the 'greats', in recent times many galleries have started focusing on the contemporary arts of the twentieth century. Amongst the most famous contemporary art galleries and museums in the world is 'The George Pompidou Center' in Paris. The building that house the George Pompidou Center itself is also totally contemporary with all the ducts and piping on the outside.
Visiting contemporary art galleries and museums is a fascinating experience as they walk you through the past few decades and highlight the changes in style and taste. These museums and galleries feature not only paintings, drawings, and prints, but also exhibit furniture, sound, light, and even music. This truly illustrates the passage of time. Most of the major European cities are home to at least a national and a contemporary gallery. Usually there are also private galleries. Any time you visit a major metropolitan area, be sure to include the galleries in your itinerary. It's a wonderful way to learn about a country and its cultures. History and its changes are reflected in the art on display.
If you are interested in purchasing some art, the above mentioned art galleries won't sell you any of their master pieces. Typically you will need to go to a private art gallery to buy good art. You may not find Renoirs or Van Gogh's, but there is plenty of beautiful art that you can bring home. Art houses like Christie's often hold art auctions that feature some stunning pieces that you can bid on. Art is a beautiful part of our history and any visit to an art gallery, be it the Louvre or your local gallery, is a journey back through time and into the creative master minds that help shape our culture. |
|
