Europe Blog # 4 - Amsterdam

                                                Europe Blog # 4 - Amsterdam

Museum continued: it was spectacular - an experience not to be forgotten 

This model boat was built at the same shipyard and era when the "real" ships were constructed

A close-up provides detail and amazing amount of work that went into miniaturizing the project.

Artist uses a "monochrome" affect to show the "darkness" of a  Dutch sea battle. The late 1600's frame is "original."  

The detail captures the horror when these "somewhat" seaworthy ships are struck by cannon balls.

     Paint color provides a different perspective to the viewer...

                ...but just as bad with the portrayal of sea warfare

      Just as interesting as the people and bright color is the large size

     This is a type of doll house found in a late wealthy1600's home

The detailed design and and construction provides a real perspective for historians as they learn more specifically how the wealthy lived.

Try to imagine how many "thousands" of hours and the cost that went into designing and building each doll house piece.

Design pattern uses semi-precious stones

                        Large chest found in an affluent home

  These late 1600's oboes look quite similar to today's instruments

This room is filled with items confiscated from Jewish homes by the Nazi's!

This very rare violin piece is one of the more important museum items. It does not play music. It's only for decoration. 

       The museum emphasizes the need to care for the handicap

These dueling pistols allegedly were found in Napoleon's discarded wagon following the 1812 Moscow retreat

Close ups reinforce the intensity of Van Gogh's self portrait as well as the thick brush strokes.

    More thick brush stroke's in Van Gogh's countryside painting 

A close up of the calvary painting emphasizes the two officers looking over at the riderless horse; most likely belonging to a compatriot and good friend. The artist also beautifully captures the troops and the many horses kicking up the dust.

As in most cases, patriotic soldiers march off to war with fanfare, patriotism and the belief they will win the battle; only to find the grewsome, horror of the battlefield.

            This artist chose to depict the wealthy and their fur coats

                        What is this woman thinking???

There were so many gorgeous and interesting items in the museum

       1850's era Javanese souvenir figures made for Europeans 

           Made from bread dough. Figures do not reflect reality

   This huge painting depicts the Battle of Waterloo - We assumed the canvas painting had to be carefully rolled up to get it through the doorway and into this room because it is larger than the door.

The museum is so large bicycle riders and pedestrians can navigate underneath the building.