Matisse at the Met

Since becoming ill, we have not made it to our favorite recreation spot in NYC, the Metropolitan Museum. As this was the infamous first date for us, it is where we always go back, experiencing multiple countries and travel dreams in mere hours. This rainy afternoon we arrived at the Museum, used the parking lot at the Museum to limit my walking, managed to find handicapped parking right near the entrance, and wound our way through ancient Rome and Greece, through Africa and Australia (Oceana) to France and Matisse. It was an exceptional exhibit, viewing paintings that demonstrated his progression as an artist, often painting different interpretations of the same scene or still-life, rather like Picasso's work. More subtle and less dramatic than Picasso. We then strolled through renaissance France, and Baroque artwork, and other impressionists in the Lehman gallery to view the small exhibition of 18th century French landscape or "plen air" paintings. It was interesting that although the artists were largely French, many of the landscapes were Italian, some villas and views appearing as they still may look today. Then back through the American wing and Baroque to find the Met store for a few gifts. The new impressionists exhibit will not open until later in the week so we will return again soon, even before we return to France. Until then, we had a day close to our dreams.