The Mourners at the DMA

Today I got my medieval fix by visiting the Dallas Museum of Art to see the special exhibit of The Mourners, a collection of 40 sculptures carved for the tomb of the Dukes of Burgundy in the 15th century.

Carved by Jean de la Huerta and Antoine le Moiturier between 1443 and 1456/57, the unique devotional figures, known as “mourners,” were commissioned for the elaborate tomb of the second duke of Burgundy. Crafted with astonishing detail, the alabaster sculptures exemplify some of the most important artistic innovations of the late Middle Ages.

The "phenomenal" works "capture the entire spectrum of emotions connected with human loss," he said. "When the sculptures are grouped together, the viewer is transfixed."

During the 14th and 15th centuries, the Valois dukes of Burgundy were among

the most powerful rulers in the Western world, presiding over vast territories in present-day Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands from their capital in Dijon. The significant artistic patronage of the dukes drew artists, musicians and writers to Dijon, which became a major center of creativity and artistic patronage.

In their normal setting in Dijon they are only partially seen as they blend in between miniature Gothic arches lacing the base of the wealthy and powerful couple's black marble tomb. This prolific creativity and innovation extended to the ducal court’s sculpture workshop, which produced some of the most significant art of the period. The tombs of the first two Burgundian dukes, John the Fearless and

his father, Philip the Bold, are among the best examples. Both tombs were originally commissioned for the family’s monastic complex outside of Dijon, the Charterhouse of Champmol, and were moved following the French Revolution to the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Dijon.

Demasiado Caliente!

Argh!!!! It's time to run away from home!

Weekend Whimsy - Le Mans (Spoilers)

This weekend is the weekend of the Le Mans 24 Hour race. I'm a huge race fan...F1, IndyCar, WRC, ALMS, FIA GT, MotoGP. Le Mans is one of the highlights of the year. 24 Hours of racing. Ahhhhhh! I don't watch it live; because of the time difference, it starts too early for me. A number of years ago, when VCRs were used and Speed TV broadcasted all 24 hours, it was difficult due to the 6 hour length of videotapes. I'd have to get up in the middle of the night to change tapes. Now, DVRs make it easy! :) I became an Audi fan back in 2000 when they changed the entire rear end of the car in just over 5 minutes. That was incredible. This year's race was close, with the Peugeots faster, but with 2 hours or so remaining, it was Audi's reliability that won.

Weekend Whimsy

Well, this past week has been hectic. I got a call Wednesday morning about a job and the interview was scheduled for Thursday afternoon. Whew! I spent those 2 days prep'ing for the interview; I hope it pays off!!! They are interviewing at least 2 more candidates; because I was at the top of the list when ranked using résumés, I was interviewed first. Now the waiting begins. I'm keeping all my fingers/toes/eyes crossed!!!

New Orleans

We went to New Orleans last week for a few days. We met Johnny's mom and Aunt Gail there and then met with some more of Gail's family. We rented a house on Burgundy Street, just a couple of blocks from the Quarter. Here is a link that shows pictures, a map, etc. It was a house built in 1807 for a wealthy free black woman, and is mostly original. It was quite interesting to stay in one of the older houses in town.

We visited Jackson Square and the cathedral, ate at Crescent City Brewhouse, then had beignets at Café du Monde. We visited one of the cemeteries to see the above ground graves. I'd always wanted to be buried in a plain pine box, but now I want a house with a stained glass window!!! We stayed up late catching up with Gail, way too late!! So much for the 11:30 AM riverboat ride the next morning! The next day we had lunch at Port O Call and walked down Bourbon Street...oh my...the things we saw. Next up was Happy Hour with extended family at The Cellars of River Ridge - they own it! We had a marvelous time!

On the way home, we took a slight detour and visited the Mansfield Civil War Battle site.

I remembered the camera, but it didn't have a memory card, so the only pics I have are from my phone, and most (all) of the indoor photos are blurry. But they are what I have... They can be found here.

Weekend Whimsy

Saturday was such a beautiful day, in the low 60s, that we decided to check out a local, or almost local neighborhood park that has a small waterfall. You know, get in a quick walk, soak up some sunshine, commune with nature. Here's a quick pic of the waterfall.