Big Bonanza in Fine Art
Luck was with me in this unusual gift.
They upgraded my Senior Home. New floors, new paint, brighter lighting, and retirement of the artwork from the walls.
Management offered the removed artwork to the residents at no cost. I knew, among the decorator art pieces, there were fine canvases and prints by famous artists.
I had drafted an article about these works a year ago. I knew which to grab for my personal collection, plus a few more for my sons.
I hustled a load into my SUV; struggling to fit in the triple matted, oversized pieces. Then I texted my son in Atlanta, who was remodeling his home, and I told him I had some great artwork that I would bring to him. He responded, “Thanks, Dad. We are all set.”
I could not believe he would pass on this bonanza. I texted my disappointment.
My other son came by for a visit. I explained my plight. He looked at the art and said he had little interest in it, but he would store it in his warehouse.
I was thunderstruck to realize that I had raised two Philistines.
Management said they would donate all leftover art to a local charity. Sadly, I unloaded my precious cargo, selecting two pieces of art for my apartment.
My first prideful acquisition was a copy of painter Giovanni Paolo Pannini’s 1734 depiction of the magnificent interior of the Pantheon in Rome, Italy.
Emperor Hadrian, over two thousand years ago, ordered the construction of this magnificent building. It stands today for us to visit and admire.
My eyes gazed upon the curving surface of the dome toward the oculus at the top. The cloud flecked sky shines through this hole, giving light to the interior.
Panini injects a cross-section of Roman society in the painting on the spacious floor below. Various groups gather to converse. One gentleman, on bended knee, is having his proposal rejected by the lady turning her back on him.
I became curious about Panini and wanted to know more about his work. He was a member of the Vedutisi (View). These were painters of large scenes of the Italian countryside. On my iPad, I found a volume of paintings showing Roman ruins by Panini. The ruins no longer exist, but we can appreciate them through Panini’s efforts. He broadened my knowledge of art by doing this work.
This adheres to my philosophy of Keep Learning Throughout Life.
My second treasure is a light gray rendition of a racing yacht. They hung this piece of art in the gym where I live. I admired it for years when exercising every morning. I never thought this painting would become mine. But here it is, thanks to the largess of management. I was very curious about this piece.
What ship is this? Looking at the sails, it appears to be from another time. Perhaps from the Nineteenth Century. The body of the ship is low to the water with an upward thrust to the bowsprit and two foresails rigged.
The Top Royal rides were high to catch the wind. The main mast and the mizzen mast are gaff rigged.
The mainsail blossoms out. The ship appears to be making four knots judging from the foam thrown back from the bow. It is beautiful.
The simple truth is I had to look up nautical terms and peruse photographs to write this scenario. I am a landlubber. Before this study, I did not know a Bowsprit from a Fantail.
I have learned a few things. Now I can talk nautical with the old salts and mariners. When I am alone in my room, I can suck in the phantom salt air and Captain my Schooner with sails billowing aloft.
