The sprawling Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC often makes visitors feel somewhat overwhelmed. The largest art museum in the United States ranks among the world’s premier cultural institutions and is home to a massive collection ranging from ancient classics to modern masters. Featuring over two million works with seventeen curatorial departments, it is undoubtedly one of the largest and most visited art galleries in the world. So, plan well in advance so that you don’t miss out on some key things here.
Here is a list of must visit artworks at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC:
The Death of Socrates
The neo-classical work “the Death of Socrates” is a must see at the museum. While admiring this 1787 painting by French artist Jacques Louis David, visitors could marvel at the remarkable perspective and fabric design depicting the zest of Socrates to die and the visible sadness of his disciplines at his decision. This artwork is a zenith in tenderness and expressiveness.
The Temple of Dendur
The Temple of Dendur in the Egyptian Galleries catches your attention for its massive size and unique design. Belonging to the time of the Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar (ca. 15 B.C.), the temple has intricate carvings of deities, vultures and blossoming lotus. The temple is framed by floor to ceiling glass.
Sphinx of Hatshepsut
This huge masterpiece was created from the fragments of the Sphinx of Hatshepsut – the ancient Egyptian Pharaoh who reigned in the 15th century BCE. The Sphinx enjoys a long history in ancient Egypt where they stood guard at the burial site of the Pharaohs. You could see that the sphinx here has a nose which is absent in those standing in front of the Pyramids of Giza.
Dancing Celestial Deity (Devata)
The Dancing Celestial Deity (Devata) is an early 12th century sandstone sculpture from India. The enticing dance stance shown in the sculpture showcases bodily flexibility . You could marvel at the pose/ornaments and feel how devotees must have felt encouraged to worship the main deity (since this sculpture used to grace the top of a temple in modern day Uttar Pradesh to encourage devotees to worship the deity).
Chinese Buddhist Sculpture
Head to the Asian Art galleries section at the museum and see splendid sculptures made from stone, bronze, wood and clay. There are two sandstone sculptures, one 14-ft tall while another from the early 7th century. These sculptures may have lost some of their artistic lustre but there are beautifully preserved here.
Gertrude Stein
The museum gives you an opportunity to feel the artistic depth and imagination of Pablo Picasso’s artwork. He painted ‘Gertrude Stein’ between 1905 and 1906 and the work may not have the flair and imprints of his other stellar works, they nonetheless define simplicity. By looking at the painting, you could also think about the important position Gertrude Stein, the famous American author must have had in his life.
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