Saturday morning in Munich. What better to do (since shopping had already been taken care of the day before) than to visit one of the many great museums in the Bavarian capitol.
Portrait of the day.
“Pinakothek” is a word of Greek origin, describing the room in a house or temple where the panel paintings were stored. The “Pinakotheken” in Munich are well worth a visit. For this trip, I chose the “Alte Pinakothek” (Old Collection of Paintings), at which paintings from the 15th to the 18th century are on display.
This painting seemed to be a suitable background for a picture of crossdressed Franziska. It depicts Venus, the Roman goddess of love, erotic desire, and beauty and Adonis, an allegory for and god of beauty in Greek and Roman mythology, who’s beauty seduced even Venus and made her come down to earth in search of him. It was painted by Dutch painter Hendrick Goltzius in 1614, I presume relating to Shakespeare's 1593 poem of the same title. Adonis, by the way, lost his life shortly after this Tête-à-tête with Venus.
So, who is the little guy on the left? Being a scientist and curious by nature, made me dig into that question. Apparently, those type of figures – often added to paintings of romantic nature – are called “potty” or “putti” or “putto” and are Amor-like children or angels, with Amor being the god of falling-in-love in Roman mythology. Confused? Me too. Too many gods in one single painting, for my liking.
Just having fun taking pictures with a timer. I guess crossdressers are somewhat narcissistic.
On the way back to the hotel to get ready for the evening event, Franzi stumbled across a very cozy small wine bar and - guess what - they were serving her favourite drink: pink crémant.
I've never been to Munich but this gallery is as good an excuse as any to go.
ReplyDeleteVenus and Adonis was a very popular subject in art at the time as it gave rich patrons the opportunity to own a pornographic picture but with the excuse that because it was a Roman / Greek subject it represented the height of civilization and culture.
Nice outfit. I like the boots.
Sue x
Dear Sue, Thanks for your visit and comment. I am sorry that it is only now that I get to respond. Interesting aspect you describe about Venus and Adonis. I love boots and these in particular. They have a stretch shaft and thus sit somewhat skin tight. Love, Franzi
Delete