Monday, July 28, 2014

Still Life With Jesús And One Naked Fútbol Player

During Judyshannonstreetwhat's visit (click here if you don't know what I'm talking about), she and I went to the Picasso Museum in Málaga (the city of Pablo Picasso's birth). It was my first time at the museum and I loved it. Judy(etc.) had not been a big fan of Picasso, but she, too, loved the museum and left with a better appreciation of his talent and genius.

THE 16TH-CENTURY PALACIO BUENAVISTA IS NOW HOME TO THE MUSEO PICASSO.
A FRONT DOOR.
(BENEATH THE PALACIO ARE PHOENICIAN, ROMAN, AND MOORISH RUINS.)
ANCIENT PHOENICIAN WALL BELOW THE MUSEUM (8TH CENTURY B.C.)
PHOTO COURTESY MUSEO PICASSO MÁLAGA.

Judy(etc.) had a special fondness for a painting, "Naturaleza muerta con cráneo y tres erizos" ("Still life with skull and three sea urchins"), probably more for the idea and title than for any other reason. Picasso did quite a number of still lifes with skulls with or without sea urchins (and still lifes with sea urchins with or without skulls).

"STILL LIFE WITH SKULL AND THREE SEA URCHINS," 1947.
FROM THE COLLECTION OF MUSEO PICASSO MÁLAGA.

When we got off the train in Málaga, we stopped in a cafe for a quick drink (really to use the "services"). I had a special fondness for the still life set up in the café.  I call it "Naturaleza muerta con Jesús y un jugador de fútbol desnudo," ("Still life with Jesus and one naked football player"). I asked the bartender who the fútbol player was (or players... the guy in the middle didn't look the same). She had no idea. Maybe you can help?

"STILL LIFE WITH JESÚS AND ONE NAKED FOOTBALL PLAYER," DATE UNKNOWN"
FROM THE COLLECTION OF BAR RESTAURANTE ARCOS MÁLAGA.

Photography is not permitted inside the exhibit areas of the Picasso Museum, so, you'll have to check out the museum for yourselves to see more (http://museopicassomalaga.org, if you can't get to Málaga). I think they did a brilliant job of converting (and preserving) the former private palace (and some surrounding buildings) into a stunning exhibit space. It's believed that the 16th-century palace was built over the remains of a Nasrid Palace (the Nasrid Dynasty ruled Málaga and other cities of Southern Spain from 1232–1492). An original tower still stands and was incorporated into the 16th-century palace.

THE PALACE/MUSEUM'S CENTRAL COURTYARD.
HEADING UPSTAIRS TO MORE EXHIBIT SPACE.

BEAUTIFULLY RESTORED CARVED CEILINGS.




THE ENTIRE COURTYARD IS SHADED BY A ROMAN-STYLE AWNING.
HEADING BACK DOWN.
GARDEN AND CAFE CAN BE GLIMPSED THROUGH THE WINDOWS.
HEADING BACK OUTSIDE.
THE NASRID DYNASTY TOWER.


Judyshannonstreetwhat's Aha Moment
After the museum, Judy(etc.) and I stopped at a shop with gifts that were much nicer than the standard souvenir shop fare. Judy bought three sets of fun and unusual salt and pepper shakers.

The salesperson was a charming young guy named Leo (sorry, no photo). Judy had been practicing her Spanish throughout her visit and was doing amazingly well.

Leo asked Judy, "¿De dónde es usted?" [Where are you from?]

I could see the wheels spinning in Judy's head as she repeated aloud, dragging out the last two words: "...és usted." Suddenly, she smiled, poked her finger in the air as if to say, "Eureka!"

"¡Bien, gracias!" was her joy-filled response. [Fine, thank you!]

I'm not sure. I think Judy might have immediately commanded, "Do not put that in your blog!"

But, as I just mentioned, I'm not sure.

22 comments:

  1. Where EXACTLY is Bien Gracias? I've never seen it on a map.

    PS Art and architecture; two of my favorite things!

    ReplyDelete
  2. The architecture is incredible!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hayley:
      I need to go back just to explore the building more. We didn't even get to see the below-ground constructions and relics.

      Delete
  3. What a beautiful backdrop for the Museum, I would go just to have a look at the building. Judy should know by know any actions or words spoken in your presence is complete fodder for this blog, otherwise, what else would you write about?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cheapchick:
      I will go back again and again just to enjoy the space. And, yes, Judy knows full well. But I would never write about someone if I didn't know it would be OK. Despite her comment in the shop, Judy gave me carte blanche long ago.

      Delete
  4. Wow! I have learned so much about Spain from you, Mitchell :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Mitchell the museum is very interesting.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Replies
    1. John:
      Well, I DID give you a naked fútbol player.

      Delete
  7. You sure know how to get 'our' attention Mr.Block!

    That being said....what a beautiful building/museum restoration.
    And poor Judy(etc)! She knows full well how you jump on poor SG's every faux pas! lol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jim:
      Yes I do!
      Judy did previously give me permission to say what I will -- no matter how much she protests now. Besides, I think she likes the attention. And at least it gave San Geraldo a respite.

      Delete
  8. Loved seeing that Picasso. I would have thought this museum featured paintings from Picasso's youth. The painting you've posted was probably from the '50s? Love all the architectural details.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Stephen:
      The collection does include works from the early 1890s to the early 1970s. Amazing to compare. (The painting I posted was done in 1947.) Next time I go, I'll do the audio tour.

      Delete
  9. I think the futbol player's name must be Wee Willy Winky......

    You live in the midst of such beauty Mitchell, thank you for sharing it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jacqueline:
      I'm picturing the fútbol player running through town, like Wee Willie Winky.

      I have barely touched the city of Málaga. So much more to see and share.

      Delete
  10. I hear 'do not put this in your blog' often. This is usually a cue it will make excellent blog material.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Spo:
      I feel the same. There's just one person who said it to me often in the past in the hopes that I WOULD put it in my blog. Unfortunately, it was never interesting enough!

      Delete
  11. I am not a modern art fancier but I have this love of Picasso that borders on silly...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maria:
      My taste is very eclectic. I sometimes find myself resenting what gets attention (and money). But Picasso has always fascinated me.

      Delete

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