art | Daydream Tourist

Oct 11

Ephesus Terrace Houses

As if the ancient Roman city of Ephesus wasn’t already amazing, there is a separate museum within the site that lovers of art and history must see. The recently excavated and partially restored Terrace Houses are located in the center of the site. Homes of some of the wealthiest citizens were built on this valuable real estate (ie. across from the ancient public toilets!) which is evident today in the extensive mosaic floors and frescoed walls. The artwork dates from the 1st century BC to the 7th century AD with several homes torn down and combined into a small basilica during the later part of that period. Remnants of indoor plumbing throughout the homes are also visible.

Oct 4

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The Nice Thing About Hapsburg Faces

I spent the last of my birthday gift cards on a fantastic technical analysis of Diego Velázquez by Jonathan Brown and Carmen Garrido, Velázquez: The Technique of Genius. It’s filled with x-ray imaging, pigment analysis and critical examination of brushwork. Since I am a huge art conservation and painting construction nerd AND a big Velázquez fan, I love this book. There is a lot of amazing information in here, but there was one little insight that jumped out at me and I had to share.

Oct 1

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Monticello, America’s First Great Mansion

I’m very excited to have joined a group of excellent bloggers for the monthly ArtSmart Roundtable! These folks love travel and art history as much as I do, so it’s a great fit. Each month we pick a theme to write about and for October it is architecture. Check below for links to all the other awesome ArtSmart Roundtable posts!

My travel itineraries always include visits to restored or recreated historic homes. It brings me just a little bit closer to the past when I can see a Tudor, Victorian or Art Deco building complimented by its matching contemporary decor. Many times they are more impressive on the inside than they are on the outside. There is one historic American home though with such an elegant Neoclassical design that it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site – Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello in Charlottesville, VA.

Monticello’s west portico in early April (Photo: Daydream Tourist)

Sep 28

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Boston’s Most Historic Advertisement

Boston’s iconic Charles River skyline contains a bright, conspicuous CITGO gas sign. You might think this is just an unfortunate billboard ruining the view, but the beloved orange triangle is actually a piece of historic art now maintained by the city.

Sep 25

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A Walk Through the Art Institute of Chicago

For all the masterpieces at the Art Institute of Chicago, sometimes it is good to wander slowly and find new favorite paintings. Here’s a few works and details that jumped out at me this summer.