art history | Daydream Tourist

May 28

Normandy American Cemetery

This past weekend, Americans celebrated Memorial Day and spent some time remembering all those who gave up their lives in service to our country. This last March I had the chance to visit the D-Day Beaches in Normandy, France. I learned a lot in my visit and was struck at several points by the incredible difficulties faced by the Allies in leading such a massive and risky invasion. But what I returned to this Memorial Day were the individuals interred at the Normandy American Cemetery on the Landing Beaches. The cemetery was impressive in its size but also its reverence and honor of those buried therein.

May 22

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The Ghent Altarpiece in Person

Some people travel to new countries to expand the percentage of the world they’ve seen. Some less adventurous but equally ambitious travelers try to visit all 50 US States, all the Major League baseball parks or some other coherent list of places. Personally, I travel to see art. Jan van Eyck’s Ghent Altarpiece was high on my “To Do List”. Sadly, efforts to protect and preserve the work really interfered with my enjoyment of the painting, making this art pilgrimage a little disappointing.

My favorite panels are the three mystic figures in the upper central section of the altarpiece – Mary, God the Father/Jesus, and St. John the Baptist (shown). (Photo: Wikicommons)

May 14

Empire Garden Chinese restaurant and theater, Boston

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Brunch in Boston with a Side of History

The restaurant I’m recommending for “Best Brunch in Boston” actually has only average to above average food. The dim sum at Empire Garden is good and certainly satisfying, but I really want you to go there because of the unbelievably beautiful and historic dining room.

Empire Garden Chinese Restaurant, Boston (photo: Wikimedia)

May 8

Boston Marathon Memorial: Spontaneity and Sympathy

I ventured to down to Copley Square in Boston this Saturday. An avid fan and patron of the Library, I’m usually down every other weekend, but following the Marathon bombings, I haven’t been able to go. With a cautious reverence, I went to the now very familiar bombing locations. I expected to see two holes in the sidewalk, extensive damage to the buildings, or something to mark the horror of April 15th, but there was nearly nothing. Its true, Boston is in fact strong and cleans up well, but it felt eerily empty considering how many lives were changed along this street just a few weeks ago. Not far away in Copley Square, a large “U”of police barricades and park benches had been transformed into a make-shift bombing memorial.

May 6

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Hieronymus Bosch: Morality and Monsters

The monthly ArtSmart Roundtable brings together some of the best art history-focused travel blogs with a post around a common theme. This month we are discussing artists you should look for on your travels. Below are links to all the group’s posts this month.