Two museums on opposite sides of Glasgow in one day. At the Kelvingrove, the famous Dali 'Christ of St John of the Cross' is the most striking work but the Italian Renaissance rooms were well displayed and explained. Titian, Botticelli and Bellini are all represented making links with last week's work in Cambridge on painting during this period. Images of Mary predominate with fewer of the suffering/crucified Christ than at the Fitzwilliam.
Moving towards the next historical block I'll be looking at, the room of Dutch paintings had some useful works and explanations. The Protestant/Catholic split of the Netherlands following the Reformation has interesting consequences in the art of the period and could take some untangling.
From the Kelvingrove to St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art. A much smaller museum that presents it's collections in a multi faith setting. One or two works with links to others I am viewing but the standout things about the place were unrelated to paintings. The exhibition of religious life was wide ranging and fascinating while the view of Glasgow Cathedral and the adjacent Necropolis (city of the dead) from the top floor was remarkable. Well worth the walk across the city.
So ends the Scottish part of the Tour. Back to the books next week.
Well I am enjoying your cultural exposition, and "dead jealous" ( if a culturally edumacated person can say so) of your trips to glaswegian galleries and such. I am delighted to see the link between popular 1970's children's culture, dogs, mice and lifts, and religious art. I expect to understand more about the subliminal connections as we go on. thank you Rosemary.
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