Amsterdam and Van Gogh
Sep. 26th, 2013 05:56 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
fbhjrI wanted to get to Amsterdam and the Van Gogh museum before it opened at 9AM. I hard heard it gets very crowded and the tickets are for a certain entry time. I figured the 9AM would be the best bet for getting in.
So, I left The Hague about 7 and headed to the train station 3 blocks from here.
The sunrise came up as we left The Hague
It takes about an hour to go the 40 or so miles, much like Worcester to Boston.
So, I got there around 8.
The directions said tram 2 or 5. I found a 5 and got in line.
It was rush hour so the trams were VERY crowded. So crowded that when I got off I had to slide down the banister to get as people would not get out of the way on the stairs.
The 5 tram does not go as close to the museum, so I had to walk a few blocks.
I guess there are other attractions along the number 5 line.
The weather was beautiful so walking along the canal was not a problem.
I found the Rijks museum first. But, to be fair, it is a lot bigger.
And, I would come back.
Behind the Rijks museum is a park. In the park is a gift shop that sells tickets to all the museums in the area. So, I picked up my 9AM tickets at 8:30 with no line at all.
My boss had been convinced if I didn't buy tickets the night before I'd never get in. But, I know museums. I was fourth in line for the first entrance without problem.
I've seen some of Van Gogh's pieces before. I thought they were OK.
I know he is regarded as one of the best ever.
But, before today I hadn't seen that.
I thought it was just a taste thing. I didn't like his style. It wasn't that it was bad, just not my thing.
But, I guess the ones I like are the ones they keep at home in the Netherlands.
He was a fantastic artist. And, for the first time I understand why.
And, it doesn't photograph.
You can take photos of most of the pieces there. And, I did. Below here I'll put up some of my photos of the ones I really liked.
But, I'm very disappointed in the photos as they just don't capture what I like at all.
Maybe it is the texture. It's almost 3D in some of them. And, that doesn't photograph.
I'm glad I saw them in person. It makes a huge difference.
And, I liked the completeness of the museum. They not only have his paintings, drawings and illustrations, they have the pallet he used when painting.
I hadn't know he had a thing for Japanese art and tried to copy it.
He also painted a lot of potatoes. And, cabbage.
These two are some of the ones that in person I really liked. But, the photos do not do them any justice at all.
Look, a Zouave!
This is another one that made a big impression on me. He painted it when in the asylum, but not of his madness, of other people's. For some reason that really hit a cord with me.
People who don't go to museums with me won't understand this, but I spend more than an hour just looking at the paintings.
How long I look at things is rarely an indication of how much I like them. But, I spent more time looking at the paintings in this museum that in any other I can remember. And, it isn't a huge museum. 4 floors, but small floors. About the Smith College museum size.
I'm certainly glad I went. And, made it first on my list.
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Date: 2013-09-26 05:51 pm (UTC)no subject
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Date: 2013-09-26 09:02 pm (UTC)get what he was going for. His works are practically 3D.
Hooray for Zouaves! :D
I'm so thrilled they have his pallet and some paints, that is totally freaking awesome. I -love- it when art museums show the actual tools
and implements the artists use, it is such a treat for me.
I know the photos don't do it justice, as you've said, but I already am impressed with Wheatfield under Thunderclouds, that looks amazing and moody.
I had no idea he was into Japanese art. I mean, all the Impressionists and much of Europe was Japan-Crazed in the 19th century, but I didn't
think it was Vincent's thing. Yet another reason I need to go to Amsterdam!
Your morning trip pictures are too cool. What a lovely city.
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