The Getty Center

            Imagine approaching something that is almost intimidating because of pure size and beauty. The modern architecture of the Getty Center may have that effect on some of its visitors, or even passers by on the freeway. After taking the mobile tram to the top, from the parking structure below, we are placed in a stone courtyard with petrified stone tiles lining every exterior wall around, and marble tiles as well. This beautifully designed structure lies on a hilltop location in the Santa Monica Mountains, and has an amazing view of the surrounding areas which includes the Pacific Ocean, Down Town LA, and the San Gabriel Mountains. The exterior architecture of the Getty Center only hints what lies behind and within its walls and galleries. Paintings, drawings, sculpture, manuscripts, decorative arts, and antiquities are strategically placed throughout the museum and essentially placed in chronological order in the galleries. Each work of art is also displayed in such a manner to illuminate its finest qualities and present the best possible views for observation. It is one thing to view art through pictures in a book, but to experience art in person embeds a significance and respect for the work.
             6 works of art had been chosen prior to this visit of the Getty Center. The Story of Joseph, a tempera and gold leaf on panel; St Sebastian Thrown into the Clauca Maxima, an oil on canvas painting; Chris and the Adulteress, an oil on canvas painting; The Portrait of Louis XIV, an oil on canvas painting; A View of the Bay of Naples, a pen and ink with gouache and watercolors on 6 sheets of paper; and A grave Stele of Philoyenous with his Wife, Philoumene, a marble relief. Locating each of these works of art was not too terribly difficult and the museum staff was willing and happy to assist. Also, searching through each of the galleries allowed us to experience a broader array of other artwork which added to the interest and further enjoyment of this trip.