To conclude our visit to Montreal, we decided to leave Brio at the Old Port and head into the city via our new, most favorite mode of transport, the Metro. On today's trip, we went to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA).
A highlight of the Museum was a show called, "Saints, Sinners, Lovers and Fools." Here's a sampling, "The Tax Collectors", (from 1538). The detail is lovely. The painter has the candle on the shelf just going out, suggesting that life is short and pinching pennies as these two men are doing, is folly.
Here's another, "The Mocking of Human Follies." This is from 1550. The Museum commentary says this market scene is teeming with fools of every size and shape. Piles of tiny fools are delivered in baskets, sacks and cauldrons. Another shipload of fools has just docked in the harbor. These miniature fools infect everyone with their madness. All fail to notice that the inn is on fire (on the right), representing the fires of hell. All will eventually burn.
Hell is essential part of this story. Who else but Bosch could do such a world justice.
Of course, gluttony is part of such foolishness.
The show featured other forms of foolishness as well, but you get the idea. It was fun and clearly whoever put the show together must have had a good time.
Of course, the Museum is loaded with other works by famous artists, such a Rodin.
and Monet
There were many other famous artists displayed. Perhaps not their most famous pieces, but certainly impressive and some even breath-taking.
Humor was also present, which made our four-hour visit pass more quickly. An example is first this group of boulders and cobbles:
Followed by this seat, perhaps designed by someone suffering from hemorrhoids.
It was a great way to gain insight into Montreal's museum world.
We headed back to Brio to handle laundry before we leave tomorrow morning for Trois-Riviere and then Quebec City.
Brio can't wait to travel soon!
Cheers,
Brio
Comments