After some wonderful conversation with Charlie over a latte, I headed over to the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, which is the gorgeous art museum that is in downtown Hartford. I’ve been there before, but it’s been a few years.
I love this museum, not only for the great works of art that are housed there, but also for its size, which is large, but doable.
I took at least eighty pictures of Van Goghs, Monet, Manet, Hals, Picasso, Dali – you name it. But in the interest of time, I’ll share a few of my very favorites with you.
The entrance to the museum. It was a rainy day, perfect for spending some time inside.
Jackie Kennedy – Andy Warhol.
Autumn in the Village – Marc Chagall
The trapeze artist suspended from the ceiling.
Sunset on the Hudson – Sanford Robinson Gifford
Coast Scene, Mount Desert (Sunrise off the Maine Coast) – Frederic Edwin Church
Picnic with Downy Woodpecker – Valerie Hegarty. I’ll share the description with you:
Amazing.
Beauty Contest: To the Memory of P. T. Barnum – Florine Stettheimer (with Rudolph Valentino, Edward Steichen, Carl Sandburg, P.T. Barnum.)
And perhaps my favorite, Two Girls with Oleander – Gustav Klimt.
Stunning.
And more stunning.
It’s a gorgeous place. I even treated myself to lunch in the beautiful café. I kept thinking how much Don would love it here. Someday.
Happy Thursday.
Vera says
Oh what a gorgeous place! The Chagall painting is one of my favorites. And the Woodpecker piece – amazing. Thank you for sharing the description – I would love to see that in person. So glad you had a lovely day Claudia.
Claudia says
Thank you, Vera!
Deb says
Claudia, thanks for sharing such and amazing place. I’m sure all your followers wish we could have been there with you. DEB
Claudia says
Thanks, Deb!
Cindy says
Adoring the glass ceiling…..
Claudia says
Gorgeous, isn’t it?
Kathy says
Thank you for this wonderful field trip! So much beauty in one building!
Claudia says
You’re welcome, Kathy!
Monica says
Claudia, thank you for the tour of Wadsworth.
I think my favorite is Autumn in the Village – Marc Chagall.
I don’t remember ever seeing that. It’s on the wild side.
And of course Andy’s take on Jackie O.
The building itself looks like a work of art.
Thanks again and have a nice day,
Monica
Claudia says
You’re welcome, Monica!
Janice@Curtains In My Tree says
That is a beautiful museum
I got to go to the Metropolitan museum of art in New York city last July and I was thrilled , just needed more time to look around and admire things
Seems the older I get the more I enjoy the finer things in life
Thanks for all the lovely delicious picture of your day at the museum
Claudia says
You’re welcome, Janice!
Betsy says
What beautiful paintings. Love the “Picnic with Downy Woodpecker” and the story behind it. You have inspired me to take a trip to the Art Institute of Chicago. I haven’t been there in over a year and, after seeing all of your photographs, I see a trip to the art museum in my near future. My favorites are the Impressionists.
Claudia says
I’ve been to the Art Institute of Chicago, but it’s been so many years! It’s a great museum.
Mamey says
Oh, what a wonderful museum…thanks for sharing all the wonderful photos. They were amazing!
Claudia says
You’re welcome, Mamey!
Karen L says
Claudia it is so fun to hear you describing a city I grew up near and I still live in the area. I took art classes at the Atheneum as a child and spent my fair share of time attending music concerts in Bushnell Park in the 70’s. You have a beautiful way of showing off the city in it’s best light – I’m seeing the city through new eyes. Thank you for the beautiful pictures.
Claudia says
How neat that you took art classes there! So glad you’re enjoying the Hartford posts. I love Bushnell Park – I wish it was spring because that’s such a beautiful time in the park.
Donnamae says
What a great morning you had at the Wadsworth! What a statement the woodpecker piece makes! I’m sure I’ll be thinking about that piece as I watch our own woodpeckers. Thanks for the field trip! ;)
Claudia says
You’re welcome, Donnamae!
Linda @ A La Carte says
Thank you for sharing this with us. What an amazing museum and such wonderful art. The Picnic with Downy Woodpecker is stunning. I need to take time to enjoy the Art Museums around me. No rain today and a bit of sun so I hope to get out for a bit and at least take my recycling to the center.
hugs,
Linda
Claudia says
We have snow on the way….uh oh.
Betsy says
Oh my ! Thank you for taking us with you. I adore museums. I’ll never forget my visit to the Louvre in Paris. The free museums in London are amazing too, especially the National Portrait Museum. I can lose myself for hours…days if I could! Thanks again Claudia.
Blessings,
Betsy
Claudia says
I love the museums in London. Especially the Victoria and Albert. Don’s been to the Louvre, but I haven’t. Someday!
Janet in Rochester says
All that culture, and in such a beautiful space too. And the quiet!! I imagine the occasional sound of footsteps, or paper rustling, or someone clearing his throat etc. Other than that, sublime quiet. I hope it was as relaxing for you as it was to read about it here. Have a great day.
Claudia says
Very quiet. I’ll share a bit more tomorrow.
Nancy in PA says
The Wadsworth is one of my favorite museums. I spent days there when I studied Art History in college. The museum was our laboratory. That Klimt, which is new to me, is amazing. Thank you for the lovely photographs and tour, Claudia.
P.S. Would you consider posting more museum photographs, either here or on Instagram? I don’t think any of your readers will mind; just the opposite. We are fans of your photography, in case you haven’t noticed.
Claudia says
I’ll probably post a few more photos tomorrow, Nancy. Thanks!
Chris K in Wisconsin says
Those ceilings…..amazing! The outside of the building is just glorious. And the Klimt painting is absolutely stunning.
Thanks so much for taking us along!!
Claudia says
I love that Klimt!
Lesley Walker says
The woodpecker piece is stunning
Claudia says
It is, isn’t it?
Wendy TC says
What beautiful galleries! I love Klimt! I’m blessed to live close to world-class art museums….the DeYoung will be having a retrospective on Oscar de La Renta starting in March. A different, more traditional art museum environ is the Legion of Honor. And I’ve yet to check out the UC Berkeley newly constructed and opened museum and film center. But two of our favorites are the Walt Disney Family Museum and the Charles Schultz Museum. Who wouldn’t love a museum full of Snoopy and Woodstock?!?
Claudia says
This is a lovely museum and, of course, we’ve got the Met near us in NYC and all the other museums, but what I like about this one is that it isn’t overwhelming – it’s walkable in a a couple of hours and it’s full of beautiful art! It’s a win-win.
Vicki says
Beautiful museum and works! Thanks so much for taking us along for a tour.
Claudia says
You’re welcome, Vicki!
Melanie says
Awesome. My mouth fell open when I saw the woodpecker painting…incredible piece of work, so imaginative. My second favorite is the two girls with the oleander. Beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Claudia says
You’re welcome, Melanie!
Doris says
Beautiful tour, thank you. Doris
Claudia says
You’re welcome, Doris!
Nancy Blue Moon says
Bravo to that little woodpecker…he’s made quite a statement there….I’m with you for a favorite…Two Girls with Oleander is so beautiful…Thanks for the smiles today…
Claudia says
You’re welcome, Nancy!
Judy Clark says
Love all of the gorgeous art work and that building – WOW! Glad you go to spend a rainy day there. I love art museums. I’ve always wanted to go to Italy – maybe someday.
Judy
Claudia says
Me too, Judy. Hopefully, someday soon!
Deb says
Thank you Claudia for showing Hartford off in such a beautiful way. I’m only 30 miles north but rarely make the time to see the sights as you have during your stay. The Wadsworth is gorgeous.
Claudia says
I bet you’re getting snow today, Deb! And you’re welcome!
Jacki says
Hartford looks like such a beautiful city with so much to offer. I’m glad you’re enjoying your home away from home.
Claudia says
I am, and there’s only two more weeks left in my stay, so I’m going to try to be present and enjoy every minute.