Hesse

Originally uploaded by dieselboi.

Wow, the German aristocracy is cool! actually, we just returned from an evening with the Hesse exibit at the Portland Art Museum. Linfield College hosted the event for alumni and friends. I wanted to go because my two German language professors were going to be there and I wanted to re-connect after 13 years. I dragged my better half along for the ride.
We were treated to refreshments upon arrival and then a great discussion by Linfield’s art history professor. Instead of lecturing about the pieces or the artist, he approached it for the layman and gave us some instructions on how to view the art we were going to see.
When we finally got into the museum, we were presented with the carraige to the right. What an amazing piece of workmanship. Even the glass windows are original and open. This is an example of Roccoco art and after learning more about Roccoco, I knew what the professor meant by there not being any straight lines.
The rest of the Hesse exhibit was chalk full of some amazing paintings, ceramics, medals, dinner ware, furniture and history. They have these great digital walkmans you can walk around with and punch in exhibit numbers and are informed both about the history of the time and of the art in question. It was great to hear about the different periods of art this family has in its collection.

In the room where we learned about the importance of the Hessian private army of the 1700-1800s.

and some little one who had to sit for a portrait.

We loved the visit and the art. Further, the new annex looks amazing even though we didn’t get to walk around it much. The remodel is top notch.
I’m looking forward to getting back to the museum when we can spend a few more hours viewing the whole collection.