Have I ever mentioned I love Van Gogh? *Nerdgasm!*
Whenever I have time to kill in Chicago while
waiting for the train, I always make it a point to visit at least one new landmark. This
time, a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago was in order. Standing at its
present location since 1893, the institute boasts some of the best art in the
world, spanning continents and centuries. Sure enough, I kept an eye out for
weirdness! Here are a few gems I found (and keep in mind, a full afternoon’s
visit wasn’t enough to see even half of their exhibits!)
Peruvian Stewie Griffin?
Description: Jar with Anthropomorphic Figure.
Paracas. Ocucaje area, Ica Valley, south coast, Peru. 650/150 B.C. Ceramic with
resinous postfire paint.
Lay off the Doritos, Chihuahua.
Description: Figure of a Dog. Colima. Colima,
Mexico. A.D. 1/200. Ceramic and Pigment.
Speaking of dogs... the 15th century contender for
the World’s Ugliest Dog contest...
Description: Netherlandish. Emperor Heraclius Denied Entry into Jerusalem, 1460/80. Oil on
Panel.
Monkey orchestra! Words fail to describe how
awesome this is... now, if you give enough instruments to enough simians, will
they play Beethoven?
Description: Monkey
Band, c. 1765. Germany, Meissen. Moderled after Johann Joachim Kändler
(German, 1706-1775) or Peter Reinicke (German, active mid-18th century). Made
by Meissen Porcelain Manufactory (founded 1710). Hard-Paste porcelain,
polychrome enamels, and gilding.
Our Lady of the Not Impressed....
Description: South German. Triptych of the Virgin and Child with Saints, 1505/15. Oil on
Panel.
I also have half a dozen other pictures I’ve
decided to submit to Ugly Rennaissance Babies instead. Hopefully we’ll see
them there soon!
