Any Excuse

 
One of the main excuses reasons for arriving here in Amsterdam was as a result of having missed out on the Late Rembrandt Exhibition at the National Gallery in London. I then realised that it was a joint venture and that it was moving to Amsterdam. So that is where we were this morning – the Rijks Museum. Yes, it was crowded, but it was not too bad and we did get to see every picture. A most wonderful exhibition and so sad to think that this genius died in impoverished circumstances.

One section was called Intimacy, where pictures and drawings that illustrated well this particular quality in Rembrandt’s later work had been grouped.
 
Rembrandt often broke with tradition to depict unconventional moment s in a story. He carefully selected radically innovative vantage points and expressive, yet subtle, poses for his figures to reveal their innermost feelings . . . As a result, many viewers experience a deep personal connection with Rembrandt’s late work.
 
I liked this beautiful Portrait of a Family painted around 1665, which shows the warm interaction of family members. I watched many people, even in the crowds, feel themselves personally involved with this picture.
 
We have walked the streets by canals, ridden on trams, sat in the sun, shopped for cheese and delft pottery, watched out for bicycles, managed to lock ourselves out of the apartment, and finally tonight we went to a concert at the fantastic Concertgebrouw. I think that’s plenty culture for one day.
 
Thank you so much for all the comments, stars and hearts for my reflections yesterday. I appreciate every one, but have have not acknowledged them all. Lots of wifi but very little time. Will catch up with everyone eventually.