Lesson 5 - Lecture

Dear Mr. Peck,

I just wanted to say "I hear ya!"  When it comes to learning history vs. learning art, I, too find myself wanting to delve deeper into one of the studies -  often propelled by a discovery in the other.

Watching your lecture yesterday, I was quite intrigued with the story you provided about the Nazis invading Paris, only to find the majority of the artwork in Louvre had been removed.  I found myself 'Googling' the event and literally getting lost in the Internet Vortex.   According to articles that I read,  many of the paintings were transported into hiding in the French countryside.  More than 3,600  pieces (including the Mona Lisa) were hastily evacuated!  Only those too large to move (such as heavy sculptures) didn't make it onto the convoy of trucks for removal.

The Jeu de Paume Museum nearby was not as prepared.  The Nazis stole all of the artwork within that museum, many pieces going to Nazi's officials for their private collections.  Luckily, a museum curator (who apparently served as a double agent) was able to later retrieve much of the art after the war ended.  The Germans did put art back into the Louvre during the occupation of France,  most of it stolen from wealthy Jewish families.  The events that occurred just strengthen the fact that these works of arts were priceless treasures.

I am afraid this 'need to learn more' takes place more often than I'd like to admit.  I am a huge fan of the history channel, particularly the show "Pawn Stars".  Whenever the owners get a painting or sketch in the store, I find myself on 'Google', once again,  trying to find out more of the back story of the featured artist.  I have been known to get lost in the aforementioned Internet Vortex for hours, well after I should have gone to bed for a good night's sleep for work the next morning.

For the next few weeks, I need to curb my enthusiasm a bit, as my schoolwork beckons.  I am pleased that part of my work requires me to contemplate such statements you recently made in the lecture, such as,  "What is art?", "What isn't art?", and "Why is it that art is always being impacted by revolution?"

"I hear ya", Mr. Peck and I appreciate the opportunity to learn new things such as these every day.

Sincerely,

- Kristie