01 March 2006

Americans in Paris exhibition

At the National Gallery, Trafalgar Square. Instead of lots of explanation on labels on the walls, you got a little booklet with a short description of the picture - enough to give you some information, not too much to be overwhelming. And interesting; to the point. Plus, space for making drawings -- not so much as a reminder, but as a way of looking harder, better at the picture.
Here's one called "Repose" (not sure if repose is what's on her mind...) by John White Alexander, 1856-1915. The booklet says: "The theme of the idealised woman in an elegant interior setting ensured international success for Alexander in the 1890s. His familiaryity with contemporary French aesthetic taste is evident here. The sitter's sinuous curves and languorous expression are provocative and alluring."After hot chocolate in the cafe, we stood in the portico and took photos of people in Trafalgar Square.

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