I almost missed one of the most magnificent museum exhibitions I've ever seen. "Habsburg Splendor: Masterpieces from Vienna's Imperial Collections" is, by far, beyond splendid!
This Hight Museum of Art exhibition had been on my "must-see" list well before it opened in October 2015. But it wasn't until last night, during Friday Night Jazz, that I saw this mind-blowing, opulent history-come-to-life display of the Habsburg dynasty's opulence. We actually went through it a second time immediately after the first, in-depth, viewing.
The exhibition is comprised of magnificent Habsburg dynasty artifacts housed in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. Within the exhibition are classical Greek and Roman works, medieval arms and armor, tapestries, early modern painting and craftwork, ornate costumes, a ceremonial gilded carriage and—my personal favorite—a horse-drawn, hand-carved, beyond opulent sleigh!
The artisan behind the sleigh was the Habsburg's court artist, Giuseppe Arcimboldo! Perhaps you saw the 15-foot tall sculptures at the Garden in 2014 of faces made with vegetables, flowers, fruits and plants? Those were inspired by Arcimboldo paintings. Another of his paintings is in the exhibition—Fire (1566)—that's literally composed of fiery objects, including candles, cannons and fire!
I've loved armor since I was a young child. Not because of their use in warfare, but for the artistry I've seen in so many suits...and the ones in Habsburg Splendor do not disappoint! In fact, you're welcomed to the exhibition by two horse-mounted knights engaged in a bout of jousting. And it just gets better and better from there!
Tapestry has long been another favorite art form. The tapestry pictured above depicts the Coat of Arms of Emperor Charles V and it takes up nearly a full wall in the exhibition. I was absolutely impressed with how extensive and magnificent this exhibition is...highly impressed!
The gift shop had sold out of the exhibition catalog a few hours earlier, but they're available from Yale University Press here.
To make sure you don't miss an exhibition that you really want to see, I highly recommend exploring the "upcoming exhibitions" section of the museums and attractions that interest you and put reminders on your calendars.
I have few regrets when it comes to sightseeing, largely because I've had the benefit and pleasure of seeing so much, but I do wish I had seen Habsburg Splendor at the High Museum of Art when it first opened. I'd have seen it again and again! Lesson learned.
This magnificent exhibition closes on Sunday, January 17, 2016. Remember to check out the High's upcoming exhibitions here. Have fun wanderlusting!
 |
| Habsburg Splendor | High Museum of Art |
This Hight Museum of Art exhibition had been on my "must-see" list well before it opened in October 2015. But it wasn't until last night, during Friday Night Jazz, that I saw this mind-blowing, opulent history-come-to-life display of the Habsburg dynasty's opulence. We actually went through it a second time immediately after the first, in-depth, viewing.
 |
| Habsburg Splendor | High Museum of Art |
The exhibition is comprised of magnificent Habsburg dynasty artifacts housed in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. Within the exhibition are classical Greek and Roman works, medieval arms and armor, tapestries, early modern painting and craftwork, ornate costumes, a ceremonial gilded carriage and—my personal favorite—a horse-drawn, hand-carved, beyond opulent sleigh!
The artisan behind the sleigh was the Habsburg's court artist, Giuseppe Arcimboldo! Perhaps you saw the 15-foot tall sculptures at the Garden in 2014 of faces made with vegetables, flowers, fruits and plants? Those were inspired by Arcimboldo paintings. Another of his paintings is in the exhibition—Fire (1566)—that's literally composed of fiery objects, including candles, cannons and fire!
 |
| Habsburg Splendor | High Museum of Art |
I've loved armor since I was a young child. Not because of their use in warfare, but for the artistry I've seen in so many suits...and the ones in Habsburg Splendor do not disappoint! In fact, you're welcomed to the exhibition by two horse-mounted knights engaged in a bout of jousting. And it just gets better and better from there!
 |
| Habsburg Splendor | High Museum of Art |
Tapestry has long been another favorite art form. The tapestry pictured above depicts the Coat of Arms of Emperor Charles V and it takes up nearly a full wall in the exhibition. I was absolutely impressed with how extensive and magnificent this exhibition is...highly impressed!
 |
| Habsburg Splendor | High Museum of Art |
The gift shop had sold out of the exhibition catalog a few hours earlier, but they're available from Yale University Press here.
To make sure you don't miss an exhibition that you really want to see, I highly recommend exploring the "upcoming exhibitions" section of the museums and attractions that interest you and put reminders on your calendars.
I have few regrets when it comes to sightseeing, largely because I've had the benefit and pleasure of seeing so much, but I do wish I had seen Habsburg Splendor at the High Museum of Art when it first opened. I'd have seen it again and again! Lesson learned.
This magnificent exhibition closes on Sunday, January 17, 2016. Remember to check out the High's upcoming exhibitions here. Have fun wanderlusting!
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