August 4
Statue of Maria-Theresa in front of the Kunsthistorisches (Art History) Museum
* Vienna certainly had a lot of hardships following the Counter-Reformation in the 1600s. Outbreaks of the plague, the threatening Turks to the east, and even continuing problems with Protestants and Catholics all befell the empire. It’s interesting how when you learn about one topic, such as the plague, you begin to think that that was the only thing happening at that time, but really there are a variety of problems that happen simultaneously and I think Lehne & Johnson book does a good job at explaining overlapping events.
* Today, we ventured to the Kunsthistorisches Museum and discussed a few pieces and their iconologies. I just took an art history course in the spring so I felt very prepared and eager to take a long look in this museum. I saw a particular painting that we discussed in that course which made me very excited. It was the portrait of Isabella D’Este by Titian from 1535. It is rather important in the development of women in the art world. When Isabella commissioned the painting she was around 60 years old, although she appears to be around 20 in the portrait. She also used her art collections to further the achievements and preconceptions of her gender.
* Some cultural highlights of the evening was when we went as a big group to a local bar/club. It was very obvious that we were Americans, and probably the only ones there. It was also very interesting that the music selection was 100% American music, ranging from oldies to current songs. It was a great experience to see how different people interact because the locals all seemed very subdued (perhaps this was due to the alcohol) and were sitting and lounging, while all of us were up dancing the whole night. Europe is definitely a leisurely place. And a smoky place. I’m a bit surprised at the fact that Europe has such a large population of smokers. Due to the stereotypes of well educated, liberated people I would think that people would have more common sense about the dangers of smoking, in my opinion. All I can say is that I’m glad I live in California where it’s illegal to smoke indoors!
posted by lauREN @ 9/11/2006
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