My entry for today is not a reflection of one, but two images. The first, I sadly did not have the chance to view in person.

I specifically asked to find the work Vase of Flowers by Rachel Ruysch, the only female artist available for us to view, because women’s representation in history is often lacking. My experience today further proved that point, as the painting has mysteriously disappeared. One guide led us to a similar painting done by a man, and another wasn’t sure where it was altogether. There was one, one female artist with a work on display, and no one was quite sure what had happened to it. It had probably been taken down, or possibly moved. After searching for nearly the entirety of our time at the museum and enlisting the help of Lillian, Vicki, and those few guides, it was time to move on. I was sad to leave without seeing it, but I learned something important. I will make it a priority for women to be adequately represented in art, as artists, wherever I have the ability to do so.

On the flip side, I did spend the last fifteen minutes observing a beautiful Rembrandt portrait, that of Nicolaas van Bambeeck, as a sort of alternate assignment. I’m definitely not the most learned in art technique and composition, but I know a gorgeous piece when I see one. I was struck by the intricate detail on the lace collar, and the expressive eyes. I didn’t feel that this was an idealized picture of a man; I felt that I was looking at a real, genuine person. Something about the crook of the nose, the softer jawline, the minor imperfections made the portrait very much real to me. The work entranced me, even though it is a portrait of a man I have never known and never will know. I’m still disappointed that I missed out on viewing Ruysch’s work in person, but I’m happy that I ended up having the opportunity to really view this one.