Sunday, April 8, 2018

RODIN & COCK-A-TAILS

It was finally one of those weekends where the weather was semi warm, but sunny. The impending forecast of rain and possible snow showers never transpired. After a half work week, it was time for me to brush off some of these cob webs and return out of hibernation. It seems to be starting late this year. A MM#1 FAN  and I decided to go visit the Rodin Museum in Philadelphia. I had been before but it's been several years. My first time was here. To the museum that is!!!!

A sculptor like Rodin made the original mold in his studio, and then creates or licenses a certain number of copies, or “casts”, that can be made with it. The Philadelphia museum opened in 1929, and many of the sculptures were cast around that date.But Auguste Rodin died in 1917. So most of the works we saw were actually made by others, using the molds Rodin created.

It’s strange, thinking that the actual art in front of you was not created by the man whose name is on it. It’s also strange knowing it’s not the only copy.“The Thinker”, for instance, comes in several sizes. The largest of these has 28 copies scattered around the world. And there are more of the smaller version.When you go to see the Mona Lisa at the Louvre, you are seeing the one and only copy of DaVinci’s masterpiece. It’s a singular experience, by nature. The coolest piece we saw of course was The Gates of Hell.
For nearly four decades prior to his death, Rodin worked on this highly detailed sculpture inspired by Dante's Inferno. Originally commissioned for a planned museum in Paris, The Gates inspired some of Rodin's most notable creations, including The Thinker. The massive bronze cast, located at the entrance to the Rodin Museum, is one of two commissioned by Philadelphia theater entrepreneur Jules Mastbaum.
This mold of Rodin’s hand was taken just a few days before he died by one of his students. The student added the miniature sculpture that Rodin’s hand is holding as a tribute.

If you get to Philadelphia it's still a worth while see, and very relaxing. Still, seeing so many of Rodin’s casts in one place is an amazing thing – it’s the second largest collection of his work, outside of Paris.

Afterwards, like a surprise,  your Mistress was parched and it was off to have some cock-a-tails and nibbles. Philadelphia is a great drinking city.  Take it from me!!!!Of course, any city is a great drinking city when I am there,  but I love it when a place makes it easy for me. We stopped in down on South Street at The Cambridge, a  cozy neighborhood tavern on South Street West with a full bar, a varied menu,  and a courtyard out back.
. The drinks I had there were all spot on, and like other pubs and lounges,  I love that our bar community and bar tends have enthusiasm for local spirits. I started with a gin and tonic , several, then switched to  a cocktail made with absinthe and appear juice, shaken with ice.
It was a great day to get out and enjoy the air and some art. I have always enjoyed being in museums. I could probably live in one. Provided I was well hung, of course.

30 comments:

  1. "My first time was here." - damn, it was NOT a home movie of your first time! way to disappoint your fans, gurl! ;-b

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    1. You are a bad egg aren't you? I better hide my videos real well. Now, I was reminded by dear Jon over the pond, today would have been Betty Ford's birthday......let's not let her down....

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    2. I saw that it was Betty's birthday and thought of you. Were you ever acquainted with her dear?

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    3. he was only acquainted with room 29 I have the feeling.

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  2. There are lots of first times, fewer only or last times. The next time you are in Paris, you should see the Rodin Museum there. We kind of stumbled into it, one cold December day. As I recall you can get cocktails in the garden.

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  3. It certainly was a great weekend to get out. Could we possibly be past the winter point now??? Can’t miss the Rodin it if you like sculptures and Rodin.Not much to say, it’s best to just go. The museum is tiny, but the collection of works by the outstanding Rodin is impressive.

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  4. Great tour! I got to go to the National Gallery in high school. Little brother zoomed thru the museum. Being an artist now - he kind of regrets that. ;-)

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  5. Rodin died the year before Betty Ford was born. Such a shame they never met.

    But seriously, folks - M. Auguste was the most brilliant sculptor, no better than in The Gates of Hell. And Philly has one of the three originals; who'd have thought it? Jx

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    1. Those gates never fail to impress, that's for sure.

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  6. oh, you'd be well hung for sure.

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  7. Philly is one town I miss dearly living in. Even over Boston. I used to live not far from the museum and I always told visiting friends when you're in the neighborhood, I'd say it's worth a stop to learn a bit more about Rodin and see some of his work. You lucky to have thses things at your finger tips.

    And did you and MM #1 Fan stay out of trouble?

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    1. With I and MM#1 Fan.....what,could possibly go wrong. We're always good.

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    2. Out of trouble??? Mistress, these people act like we compared our dick sizes or something!

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  8. Museums and cocktails make for a perfect day!

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  9. Now that would be very cool to see. And here I thought the Gates of Hell lead to my bedroom.

    I could use some of those cocktails about right now.

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    1. nah, the gates of hell lead to the white(s only) house right now!

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  10. I absolutely love that first shot you took!!!

    We should meet up again sometime when your down here.

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  11. The sculptures in the garden and inside the museum are gorgeous. Must have been really cool to see the Gates of Hell. I so need to move. There is nothing to see around here of interest.

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  12. Talk about entering the gates of hell - in a good way! Those pictures are truly amazing to see up close. Sound like you two had a nice afternoon.

    I should really plan another trip to the East coast.

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  13. What gorgeous shots of fabulous artwork you've shared with us. Thank you. I love Rodin! The Thinker and The Kiss are my faves! And the Gates of Hell are magnificent and exquisite!

    Museums are some of my fave places to visit. So are good bars! Cheers!

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    1. If you get to Philly....it is a must. Not a big museum, rather small....but an impressive assortment. And right down the parkway is the PMOA.

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  14. Wow. Thanks for sharing this. I never knew to what extent Rodin was actually producing "studio art." I did at least see one of the original casts of the Burghers of Calais... in Calais. But I'd love to see your museum!

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  15. I absolutely love sculpture....even over paintings. So any excuse to go to a museum like this and I'm there.

    AND from what I hear you being placed well hung shouldn't be a problem.

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  16. Museums and cocktails sound like my kind of outing. I should try that sometime.

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  17. And all I did was attend the book reading of a guy who helped found Guns 'n Roses....

    Happy Monday!

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  18. I'm surprised you liked looking at scupluted torsos mistress?

    Looks like a great afternoon. Love the look of those drinks.

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  19. There's a Thinker in front of Cleveland's art museum, but he has no feet, as they were blown up by some militant group in the early '70s.

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  20. Look like a delightful day to get out and about. I seem to never have enough time to go to museums these days.

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  21. Twas a great day...I thoroughly enjoyed seeing that.

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Go ahead darling, tell me something fabulous!