London National Gallery

The London National Gallery was a highlight! I would go as far as to say I enjoyed this gallery more than the Louve.

First of all, it was free. That changed the dynamic in many ways. It was less crowded and, of course, nicer on the wallet. But more than importantly, not paying to enter, dispelled any pressure or hurry in taking in the art. I could peruse the rooms at my leisure and stay as long or as little as I liked– stress free.

Secondly, the gallery was so well designed. It’s smaller than the Louvre (to be fair, the Louvre is the largest museum in the world), but that worked to its advantage. The layout was clear and easy to navigate, yet there were also little nooks and side rooms that felt wonderfully private — places where you felt almost “alone” with the art.

Thirdly – it had some absolute gems and a lot of variation!

Ben and I wandered separately for a little under 2 hours and only got to the painting section, but it was stress free and exciting wandering into piece after piece of incredible work.

This painting is the reason I wanted to come to the London National Gallery in the first place. Filippino Lippi created this piece, “The Virgin and Child with Saints Jerome and Dominic” as an alter piece originally circa 1485. Viewing the piece straight on it seems a bit off and awkward— but when taking the position of kneeling or of worship, as it was intended in the church, one assumes the proper perspective to view it correctly. We all need a bit more of this.

Bathers by Cezanne.

The Water-Lily Pond, by Claud Monet. A classic when you think of Monet. I think these water lily pieces are wonderfully fun and playful as he has so manny different variations of a similar thing. He must have really loved them and enjoyed being in his garden in Giverny, soaking it in and capturing all the angels of the water lily’s during all the seasons, moods, and times of day. I want a joy like that.

Joseph Turner’s Ulysses Deriding Polyphemus. This is a lovely piece from Homer’s The Odyssey, where Odysseus stands victorious on his ship with the torch he blinded Polyphemus with still burning as he sets sail. The contrast of light and dark in this work really gives the “victory” it’s emotion and sets the whole piece alight with “hope” of evading disaster and what is to come on the horizon. I also think of Paul Landry whenever I see a Turner piece now — he showed me his work originally. Thanks Paul.

I am not sure of the artist for this one but what a lively scene. And how realistic. A choice between heading home for the night to a family etc, or of being pulled back into the crowd of the pub.

I am not sure of the artist of this one either but I really related to it. On the woman’s lap there is an unfinished spot. What is supposed to go there? A letter she is writing, or a basket of fruit? maybe a child? This painting to me was a great depiction of where Ben and I, and probably lots of others, are at… trying to figure out the mystery of what is in our picture for the future? A dog? A new job? A Child? Are they surveying their new home in the country? or possibly departing for other places? Lord we pray for wisdom and joy at all the unknowns and for your direction on our lives.

Ballet Dancers by Edgar Degas. Incredible.

Renoir’s The Skiff. I love that there are two women in the boat rather than a man and a woman. This is a piece depicting the warmth, wonder, and joy of girlhood. Two great friends having a dreamy day together, perfectly content. This reminds me of Anne of Green Gables, where Anne and some girls dramatize the poem the “Lady of Shalott”. A great scene.

Michaelangelo’s The Entombment. Unfinished. Can you imagine walking away from a piece like this?

Raphael’s The Dream of a Knight.

10.21.2025