In search of a well-needed breath of fresh inspiration, Jesse and I visited the National Gallery of Victoria yesterday. Founded in 1861, the National Gallery of Victoria is Australia’s oldest public art gallery and the best place to spend an afternoon surrounded by beautiful works.
We abandoned the current Naploeon exhibition that was showing in the main part and opted instead to check of lots of early 18 – 20th Century works. I spent a great deal of time at NGV when I first moved to Melbourne, and hadn’t been in so long that I got reeeeeeal excited!
The fashion and textiles gallery was closed for preparation unfortunatley, however there was this stunning outfit by Mariano Fortunay on display. A drool worthy 1920′s coat with a 1915 belt. The dark green velvet of the coat is actually stencilled with gold and silver pigments in serpentine trails and floriated motifs of pomegranates, pinecones, oak leaves and pinks.
A beautful Art Noveau depiction of St Elizabeth of Hungary by Alfred Gilbert
We spent most of our time checking out some really amazing 20th century furniture. Exclamation upon exclamation of “Oh my god oh my god looooook!” as we turned every corner!
I fell in love with some sweet ladies in the Impressionist room, as expected.
But this stunner entitled ‘The Japanese Gown’ by Philip Wilson Steer (1896) really stole my heart!
I actually got told to ‘step away please’ as I was getting to up close and personal with the painting!
Jesse hanging out with some sirens
This Spanish babe was dreamy
There are rooms and rooms of the most amazing artefacts, ceramics, textiles and jewelry it broke us down hard. I want everything in my house! There was also a really great ceramic cabbage tureen that I forgot to take a photo of, but was so funny/amazing and I am now super into novelty kitchenware.
Yves Saint Laurent…need I say more…
Jesse with his alter ego
There were some fantastic photographs and portraits by Brassai that made me swoon…
I’ll leave it at that for now, my poor little camera was filled to the brim!
Hope everyone is having a lovely week
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xx
