Sunday, November 12, 2017

MICHELANGELO at the MET on Sundays is Not the way to Go Members Preview Only Please!

MICHELANGELO: DIVINE DRAFTSMAN & DESIGNER at the MET a wondrous exhibit, you bet.  But it's hard to know if you on Sundays even during Members' Preview only.  Only, that's about everyone & their uncle leaving little room to navigate and appreciate the majesty of the pure genius in Michelangelo's drawings, designs and sculptures.  This once in a lifetime show (which all should go) represents a collection upwards of 200 of his works more than half compiled of his most delicate works on paper.  Michelangelo's drawings on paper were made using chalk, ink, charcoal and brush paint.  The curation culls works from Michelangelo's studies as a student along with his mentors.  Other works combine contemporaries of the great artist, works done in collaboration with him and artworks created by his students.  It's fair to say that the draw of the show is Michelangelo and the numerous works by other artists get washed out in comparison.  While this may not be the intent of the curators, because Michelangelo work is sublime it far outshines his contemporaries.  The surplus of works by other artists from this epoch illuminate the genius of this master that sets him apart.  Since it was nearly impossible to appreciate the art amidst the cramming of people in the extensive galleries, I made the utmost of the opportunities to admire this sweeping historical tour de force collection I surmised whether a work was Michelangelo or not.  Mostly, I was able discern the unique talents that set his work apart.  Michelangelo's drawings emanate a luminosity and a virtual sense of the body substance that are imperious.  I was delighted to see Michelangelo's sculptures and the famous "Cupid Kissing Venus".  But, besides the discomfort of the crowds, the faux images of the Sistine Chapel or mock models of the dome diminish the value of such priceless, prodigious works of art.  I'll plan to revisit on a day with less traffic and I'll be able to focus on Michelangelo's works, alone.

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