The spring crocuses are opening
their spiky purple heads to show bright saffron stamens. I wander through the
garden believing that spring may be finally on the way, enthuses the Countess du Ruel. Snow drops blanket the riverbanks and church yards, and soon the
daffodils will greet us with cheerful yellow smiles.
After the long winter hibernation I am
longing to break out of my cocoon.
Various friends have been raving about the new Medieval and Renaissance
Galleries at the V&A, so along I went.
It's true, these lofty galleries cast a magical spell.
I am a fan of the V&A. When I'm down in the dumps, a
wander through these collections lifts me out of myself and into the sphere of
art. I walk through the side doors and
at once my spirits soar in the way that only painting, sculpture, music and
literature can inspire. Even the familiar sculptures in
the first long gallery just inside the entrance never fail to fill me with
wonder, and I think, "Thank God for the V&A."
The Victorians were consummate
collectors. One can experience 'Victoriana' also at the Pitt Rivers' Museum in Oxford. Their passion for every nuance of art and
curiosity is without parallel, and the fact that their wealth matched this
passion means we have unlimited artifacts and art to enjoy today.
Julie, my friend who is an art buff, and I
entered the new galleries and found them unique and monumental. Altar reliefs and
massive giants wrestling on huge plinths remind you of the overwhelming impact of the Duomo in Florence
or the great piazzas in Rome. Here you don't experience the airless
claustrophobia that museums tend to generate.
You feel liberated among these treasures, almost as though you were
seeing them in situ in their homelands, almost as though these heroic stone
figures are performing for you.
We spent two hours and only saw the first
two or three rooms. We journeyed slowly
through the dark ages into the Early Renaissance, awed by the unequaled
craftsmanship and splendor of the chalices coated with precious stones, the
textiles embroidered with spun gold, and the gold and silver coffers, each more
marvelous than the one before.
Finally you have to stop, take a deep
breath, and say "That's it, no more.
I'll overdose if I see one more treasure." You actually have to use self-control and
leave, promising yourself to come back soon.
