2013-07-25: Belvedere!

Today is the big day we head to Prince Eugen's crib - Belvedere.  The art there is fantastic, comprising one of the largest collections of the Secessionist Movement (including most famously, Gustav Klimt )  But there was a ton from Egon Schiele, Rodin, et al. 

One of the things I found so interesting was the amount of communication these artists were all having around this time.  It seems just as August Macke (see posts from about 2 weeks ago) was so heavily influenced by the artists and art in Paris in the early 1900's, all of this Secessionist craziness was going on at the same time one of my favorite movements was occurring (*snicker*).  Fauvism was led by Matisse, and to a lesser-extent by one of my favorites, Andre Derain.  Interesting that most of the impressionists fat cats that they had were ones that began the move to a more expressionist style.  There were a few Van Goghs, and some that were so heavily influenced by him as to make the art pieces fraternal twins.

But I'm getting ahead of myself - first, we had to take the tram (this should be a familiar routine to you all by now!)

Oh man, I just LOVE the S45!

Then the U-bahn...

Getting ready to head into the underground mole-world

JACKPOT.

Unfortunately, cameras were verboten, and being the rule-abiding people we are, you have no pics of the beautiful paintings.

So many, it really boggles the mind - it was a really cool experience.  Of course, we got to learn a lot about the various artists and works as well, most of which has already slid from my increasingly-teflon-coated brain.  But the coolest one of the day (and I know it sounds cliche to say this), but it was Gustav Klimt's "The Kiss".  There were lots of other pieced from him that were amazing, but this artwork was so incredible.  Measuring probably about 5' wide by 6' tall, framed beautifully against a dark background, it was just awe-inspiring. 

And although Da Vinci was the ultimate badass (seriously, when will the world have another like him?) the Mona Lisa was a bit of a letdown.  Nice work and all, but hard to see, super-crowded, and small.  Completely opposite experience of seeing The Kiss.  (the fact that it was also climate-controlled on a hot day didn't hurt either).

Pretty nice gardens!

A fistfight between a horse and its master.  I would love to see the sculpture capture what happens about 10 seconds later.  Smart money's on the horse.

So true to life!

My favorite people

This was the main attraction fountain of the Belvedere gardens.  Quite nice, but the insides of the building(s) were far more splendiforous.

Cool little shaded alcove in the gardens.

My BelovedDear at Belvedere

Looks like Brahms fell asleep in his chair again.

More goofy ads with blood on them.  WTF Austria?

More impromptu stuff

Indeed it is, Burger King.  Indeed it is.

Another mission accomplished! Pepper chicken is good!

Ornate Victorian octopus says "wanna fight?"  This was in the restroom, had to strategically take this to avoid being labeled a "creeper".  Which, when pronounced in German would be terrifying!

Maya, in her natural state.  Listening to dubstep and drawing.