It wasn't until we were inside the Rijksmuseum this morning that I realized just how much I love Vermeer. This museum also is home to Rembrandt's Nightwatch as well as quite a few of his other works. I could go into more detail about the museum and its artists but for the sake of time I will just suggest you Google it if you want to find out more.
'Diana and her Companions' was in the Mauritshuis Museum, we saw it on the 24th. But I felt on Sunday in the Rijkmuseum that while so many of these famous paintings were called Masterpieces, Vermeer reached a level of mastery superior to the others. I just didn't want to stop looking at his work! Vermeer enjoyed a level prosperity that didn't rely on income from his pieces. I think he had more freedom to paint what he wished than what he was commissioned to. Its not just the subject he painted that made his artwork my favorite. I saw something on a more personal level that spoke to me through his artwork about who he was and I would have to define my reasoning in more detail... call me!
I don't want to diminish the mastery of the other artists either. They deserve great credit as well, and their work is just as amazing. We were allowed to go on a private tour of the new "Rijksmuseum" which will become the new home to all of its artwork next Spring. This building just happens to be to the back of the museum. The city has taken an old cathedral and put hundreds of millions of dollars into refurbishing it.
A group of us followed behind 3 tour guides who explained what they put into this building. It was impressive... for a quarter of a billion dollars!
The architects built in and covered 2 mirroring atriums on either side of a main walkway that originally had been a street (its now part of the museum.)
Inside the floors were either beautiful granite or marble, with intricate tile work inlaid. The walls had been repainted and polished. The windows were preserved, in addition to all the stained glass. Every square inch has been improved, fixed, or strengthened. Did I mention this was impressive?
This is the new room where Rembrandt's 'The Night Watch' will be relocated.
Silly! What did we do after another fabulous museum tour? We enjoyed an equally fabulous meal in a restaurant that was converted from a green house. Super beautiful, the most enjoyable lunch ever!
Leslie and Sandra talk as we wait for the appetizer 'round'. I think I love being spoiled. As a matter of fact, I couldn't keep my little mits off the bread at this place... so delicious!
Just a few views of the scenery on the way to the bus.
Loved the trees here... I took this from the bus window.
I think this is another shot from the bus. The canals were so cool to look at! I could never get tired of living near water. Oh water, I miss you!
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