Reflections

Maggie Walker

Wayfaring through life, there are often times of pause and reflection. There are moments of still where the soul and mind ponder over the past and guess the future. One could call these periods “suspension of the soul”. They seem to be essential to our existence, key to holding together our sanity and our happiness. Grappling with struggling and pleasures forces an inward reflection about our outward environment. We see what we desire and what we need. These pauses are the start of a demanding fight for those desires and needs. Without the still, the passion would never bloom.

Sometimes, reflections are simpler, merely mirroring the present. The current state of being that one finds himself in. These reflections may not require much thought, but more of a ease of the circumstances around. These moments point to the external more than the internal, showing the beauty and peace of the external instant.

“Reflections” is a collection of works that exemplify this moment of calm, wonder, and question. Each piece confirms a personal or external reflection, and even some with visual reflections. This gallery is circular, with the JMW Turner piece on the wall in the center. The pieces will start from the left and work to the right with a bench in the middle to allow for viewers to begin their own reflections. The walls are painted a soft, charcoal grey with light grey plaques and pedestals.

Rembrandt, Aristotle with a Bust of Homer, 1653

oil on canvas, Metropolitan Museum, 61.198

This painting by Rembrandt shows the reflection of inspiration. Aristotle wanted to be associated with Homer, considered an equal in intelligence and idea. Aristotle admired Homer’s theories, which triggered many philosophies Aristotle developed. His easy gaze almost holds longing. One wonders if he misses or pities Homer. Some suggest that Aristotle wishes to have discussed with Homer for many evenings, sharing ideas and contemplating life. Others suggest the Aristotle thinks himself more highly than Homer, having reached a more accurate philosophy of aspects of life.

Franx Xavier Messerschmidt, A Hypocrite and Slanderer, 1770-83

tin alloy, Metropolitan Museum, 2010.24

Seemingly gazing at his soul, this bust’s twisted expression displays the reflection of one-self. With a pinched brow and a tight-lined lip, this expression screams contemplation. The closed eyes echo a inner sorrow or shame. Considering the title, the viewer realizes the bust must be reflecting a tiring and, possibly, dishonorable past. The visual reflection of the tin alloy only emphasizes the reflection of himself. This humbling posture points towards the hope that forgiveness will be won.

Joseph Mallord William Turner, Venice, from the Porch of Madonna della Salute, 1835

oil on canvas, Metropolitan Museum, 99.31

Turner’s beautifully colored painting is an example of simple reflection. Turner, after several sketches, initiated this painting from this angle because he desired to communicate the daily life of the waterways of Venice, Italy accurately. The attention to detail (i.e. the sailboat’s flags) assists in portraying this commonplace life. The peace of this painting and handsomeness is overwhelming; clearly Turner was aiming for a prettiness and lightness of tone. This painting attracts the viewer, drawing them to desire the life along the casual yet exciting waterways of Venice. 

William Henry fox Talbot,[Winter Trees, Reflected in a Pond], 1841-42

salted paper print from paper negative, Metropolitan Museum, 2005.100.2

Many people have determined that nature is the perfect place for contemplation and realization. The famous quote from poet Henry David Thoreau states in Walden, “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately… I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life.” Thoreau is one of the many whom have wandered into the wilderness to reflect. The solitude of being surrounded by nature creates an environment without distraction and with peace. One is able to observe thoughts and longings more acutely in the simplicity of nature.

Virginia Hendrickson Irvin, Reflection, 1958

watercolor on ivory, Metropolitan Museum, 1998.326.2

Hung in a extravagant gold frame, this piece explicitly shows a moment in time. A young maiden in a ruffled blush dress delicately holds a voluminous bouquet. She pauses. The small portraiture initiates a conversation filled with questions. Is she pausing purposefully for the painting or is this a realistic moment of contemplation? Why is dressed in this fashion: is there an event she is attending? Does the bouquet point towards the event she is attending? Her reflection and pretty gaze grasps the audience’s attention, inviting them to wonder with her. This painting leads the viewer to a desire to know more about the attractive damsel.

Gaming Purse, late 17th century

silk, leather, metal, wood, Metropolitan Museum, 2009.300.2067

This bag, glittering in metal pieces, is a reflection of 17^th century French history. Gaming, now known as gambling, became exceedingly popular. People splurged on little bags that held their counters and coins. The prices of these bags ranged and the extravagance soar. Owning a beaded bag showed your class and fashion.