The National Gallery

The National Gallery logo seems to just be a type face than a logo. However, clearly this font was chosen for a reason, to convey a certain message, but further thought does not seem to be put into the decision. 

After viewing the collections I think more could be done with this typeface, maybe a color change or a background color. But I understand their simplicity and lack of logo since the museum itself is quite overwhelming. 

The changing wall colors of the galleries at the museum complement the works each room holds. I think the palettes also add to the overall feel of the pieces and intensify the experience of seeing such legendary works, which works for the museum - as do the white minimal walls of the Tate Modern. 

In my opinion, the van Gogh paintings definitely lived up to their position in art history! They even exceeded my expectations; with their vivid colors and lively brushwork I felt so awestruck in their presence. Wheat field with Cyprysses was a work i never imagined I'd be so amazed by. Standing about 8 feet away from it was the view point i though really did the work justice and to really see the artistry of van Gogh's brush work and coloration. 

The painting that would be most suitable for my future home would have to be of my favorite impressionist artists, Claude Monet. The beautiful painting The Beach at Trouville is aesthetically pleasing and apparently contains actual grains of sand from the beach on which he painted this scenic portrait. 

My favorite object from the National Gallery was Degas's After the Bath a Woman Drying Herself (1890-1895). This also might be an object I'd love to put in a future home. The beauty and admiration of the female figure is conveyed simply and elegantly with the medium of pastels. The flexibility and contortion of the body was an intrigue to Degas, and I would like to study other similar works to compare and contrast this to, especially of dancers. 

 I don't think plastering images of the works in the collection on handbags and such exactly diminishes the value of the original works, but i personally see it as tacky. I think that it's an interesting way to spread the image and make it more accessibly seen. Purchasing this merchandise though, is more affordable way to express a liking or taste in certain works as opposed to going to the Louvre or Tate Modern or Art Institute to see it and snap your own photo to prove you like something and saw it.