New Discoveries at the Met

I have been to the Metropolitan Museum of Art countless times in my life, so last week, when I ventured to the Met, I wanted to see pieces that I had never seen. I went to the Met’s new exhibit, “Pergamon and the Hellenistic Kingdoms of the Ancient World.” This exhibition compiles over 265 objects that were made during the time of the Hellenistic kingdoms, emphasizing the ancient city of Pergamon. The gold and enamel myrtle wreath from the Late Classical Period caught my attention for its beauty and its glisten. Gold wreaths like this one were a traditional in Macedonian culture, donned at feasts and banquet halls. In ancient Greece, myrtle wreaths like the one pictured, could have associations with Aphrodite, Dionysus, youth, and beauty.

            Another painting that caught my attention was the divine painting by Alexandre Cabanel, “The Birth of Venus.” The color palette Cabenel implement is strikingly beautiful. The deep blue green of the sea, topped by sea foam is soothing to the eye and soul. Cabanel outlines Venus’ voluptuous figure in such a way that she appears almost three-dimensional. Her long auburn hair and curvy body make her the ideal woman at the time, even though she is a mythological creature. The angels surrounding Venus illustrate how much of a worshipped figure she is. In fact, Napoleon II purchased the first version of this painting, dubbed the “Salon of the Venuses” for his personal collection.

Anytime you have the chance, you should visit and look at the exceptional artwork in the Met Museum. If you have been to the Met before, go to an exhibit you have never seen. The Met has some of the most amazing art in the world. Exploring the museum is truly an experience that you will treasure forever.