The Courtauld Gallery

When I was in London several weeks ago I was able to visit The Courtauld Gallery inside of Sommerset House. Once a palace now it is used as a public venue with art exhibitions and an ice skating rink in its interior courtyard during the winter. I was on a mission to see one particular painting inside the Courtauld, but was surprised to encounter other great paintings. The particular painting I sought out was A Bar at the Folies Bergères painted by Edouard Manet. The Bar is remarkable for it's indirect perspective and alluring composition. I love Manet for his mystery and his use of black. 

The Courtauld featured great examples of Impressionist paintings, a wonderful self portrait by Van Gogh, as well as very unique Post-Impressionist and Renaissance artworks. An exhibition featuring Botticelli's drawings inspired by Dante opened just a week after I visited. However, I was able to see a clever and small temporary gallery showing the differences between real and fake drawings by Dutch artist Bruegel.

I had a surprising and engaging time inside the Courtauld gallery and I really treasured all the very unique pieces it housed.