Get Closer

Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara in Water Moon Form

(Shuiyue Guanyin)

Liao Dynasty (907-1125), 11th Century

Willow with traces of pigment; woodblock construction

The first time I saw this sculpture, I found myself drawn to her. I always experience a sense of peace and tranquility whenever I am near her. She is by far one of my favorite pieces at the MET. 

Table Lamp with Lotus Shade (detail), Louis Comfort Tiffany, 1904-1915 (American Wing).  The detail of the lamp is compelling for its intricate craftsmanship, numerous colors and textures, and style above all. The lotus leaves are placed strategically along the rim of the shade, with the leaf stems cascading down. Glass has never looked so good.

Table Lamp with Lotus Shade, Louis Comfort Tiffany, 1904-1915 (American Wing).

This bustling crowd of laughing men vigorously network as two men on the upper left focus on finishing off a man who was tortured to death immediately over their heads. As a small boy, I saw this picture and asked my father why the men who gave “Jesus the boo-boos”, were laughing, since I thought laughing was a good thing.  This of course is the point.

Jan van Eyck and Workshop Assistant (Netherlandish, Maaseik ca. 1390–1441 Bruges) The Crucifixion; The Last Judgment

I love this sculpture.  You can see the agony and turmoil in Ugolino and his sons throughout except this boy where you can feel the stillness. 

No mere lament, this is rage, this is fury, this is saying, “how could God do this to his son?”  And then I looked at the name of the work, the gifter, and the reason, and I knew it’s his rage and his fury now here, displayed for the ages.

This gallery is one of my favorite spaces at the Museum. The light in this room is wonderful and never fails to inspire me. The room has a peaceful strength which is quite comforting and I am always mesmerized by the sculpture. I love the beautiful shapes captured in the folds of the cloth. 

Being a string player myself, I am always drawn to the MET’s musical instrument gallery, especially this violin.  Just imagining how many people have played upon it, and in the thousands of beautiful pieces and concerts it has sung its voice in is humbling.  Through that time, Kings, kingdoms, empires have lived out their days and finished their times on Earth, all while this voice has kept singing.

1669 violin by Nicolo Amati (1596-1684)