REVIEW THE ALLURE OF VENICE WHISTLER HOUSE MUSEUM OF ART 243 WORTHEN STREET LOWELL, MASSACHUSETTS THROUGH JUNE 23 Whistler House Museum of Art, in partnership with Fry Fine Art, is presenting a special exhibit of paintings by underappreciated late 19th century New England artist Walter Franklin Lansil. “Allure of Venice” presents 70 paintings depicting the lagoon, canals and architecture of Venice, one of the world’s great cultural sites. Venice’s fabled appeal to artists and writers begins with the city’s unique history. For centuries, the Republic of Venice, ruled by an extremely wealthy and powerful merchant class, was an economic powerhouse, serving as an essential link in the trade routes between Europe and Asia. During the 15th and 16th centuries, patronage of the arts became an active competition among the rich, with individuals, families and the Republic’s … [Read more...] about ALLURE OF VENICE: LANSIL AT WHISTLER
Art History
Wanderlust: Spain
By James Foritano (When he’s not covering the visual and theatrical arts for artscope, Mr. Foritano has been know to travel the world in search of new experiences — sometimes as an observer, other times as a participant. In this instance, he’s a bit of both during his recent trip overseas, which he shares with you here.) Ah, Spain! An inebriation of art and a delightful puzzle of custom and culture. I was just drumming my fingers whilst waiting crankily for another assignment from Artscope when I summarily decided to go abroad on a busman’s holiday after Elder Hostel, which has recently changed its name to the more racy Road Scholar, slipped an invitation through the mail slot for a jaunt to nearly all the more artistically blessed sights in Spain. It seemed to be a summons, so we soon found ourselves in Madrid where any soul the least sensitive to beauty finds itself … [Read more...] about Wanderlust: Spain