
Wadsworth Atheneum of Art
April 22, 2007
Deborah R. Pratt
Professor Nevins
While my husband and I were there, we had a nice time. I didn't think he would enjoy it, but I think he enjoyed more than me. I said "ok let's go", and he stated "Let's go over to this side". There were guards every where, not as bad as YCBA, and they were friendly. I entered into a drawing to have a free membership for year, I'm sure my name wasn't picked.
The Wadsworth is the oldest museum since 1842 and is located in Hartford, CT. Daniel Wadsworth (1771-1848) founded the Wadsworth Atheneum, and wanted to share this experience with the public. Unlike today, years ago people did not have access to fine art, except for the rich. Today, the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art has beautiful art and exhibits that everyone can benefit from.I didn't like this museum as much as the others. The other museums had more pictures to choose from, and there was a larger selection. However, I saw a few that captured my attention, and I decided to put my concentration on "Judith and Maidservant with the head of Holofernes". c. 1625, oil on canvas.
Orazio Gentileschi, was orignally known as Orazio Lomi, he was born in Pisa. Eventually he settled in Rome in 1576. He comes from a family of artists, and his daughter, Artemesia continued his work. He trained one of his uncles' studios in Rome. Orazio's work does not have the power and uncompromising naturalism of Caravaggio. His work consists of sharp-edged drapery-qualities recalling his Tuscan heritage of superb elegance and draughtsmanship. He worked in Paris and then moved to Rome where he settled. By the end of his career, he no longer used heavy chiaroscuro in favour of light colours. He was very liked by the English court and private collectors for the now much lighter-toned and very enjoyable quality of his canvases. He also painted the ceilings for the Queen's House at Greenwich, now in Marlborough House, London.


It didn't take us long to get there, and it was right off of exit 29A (91 South). Below are more pictures that were taken.


