The Courtauld

When in London I find myself going back time and again to the museums and galleries that I love: the Tate, the V&A, the National Gallery; but it's always a delight to visit someplace new. One day I ventured into the heart of Central London to the Courtauld Gallery. It is particularly known for its collection of French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, but its Medieval and Early Renaissance gallery is also stunning. Many pieces date to the early 14th century.

Virgin and Child with Saints by Bernado Daddi, 1338:

The rooms of the gallery are works of art unto themselves.

The ceiling features a 20th century copy of "The Theory of Painting" by Joshua Reynolds, the first president of the Royal Academy of Art. The surrounding panels are by Giovanni Battista showing the themes favored by the Academy: Nature, History, Allegory, and Fable.

Museum labels are always informative. In some cases, like this one describing the painting of Saint Sebastian by Rocco Zoppo, they offer a particularly contemporary perspective.

The Creation and Fall of Man by Mariotto Albertinelli (1513-1514):

Note God creating Eve out of Adam's rib:

The ante room, used by by the Royal Academy and the Society of Antiquaries features the Greek god Apollo surrounded by the signs of the zodiac.

The spectacularly decorated Council Room:

Landscape by Moonlight by Peter Paul Reubens (around 1635-40):

Cupid and Psyche by Joshua Reynolds (around 1789)

Portrait of Margaret Gainsborough by Thomas Gainsborough (around 1778):

While the Barber Museum in Birmingham is closed for refurbishment, several of their paintings are being housed at the Courtauld.

Portrait of Countess Golovina by Elizabeth Vigee le Brun (aound 1800):

Portrait of a Man Holding a Skull by Frans Hals (around 1612):

At the top of the stairs is the room featuring the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists.

These were some of my favorites:

A Bar at the Folies-Bergere by Edouard Manet (1882):

I'm familiar with his waterlilies and the Cathedral at Rouen, but I'd never seen this: Vase of Flowers by Claude Monet (begun in 1881).

Nude by Amadeo Modigliani (around 1916):

Probably the most famous painting in their collection: Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear by Vincent Van Gogh (1889).

It was a delightful walk through 600 years of beauty.