Thurday AM Update on Getty Museum below...

Palladio, 500 Years:  the Grand Exhibition

Andrea Palladio (1508-1580), one of the most influential architects of the 16th century, transformed the Veneto and western architecture.  His emphasis on classical proportions and techniques was not new.   Michelangelo and his other contemporaries based their designs on the work of the ancient Romans and Greeks.  But Palladio's mastery of proportion as well as his reliance on the temple facade as his primary inspiration set him apart.

The exhibit at Palazzo Barbaran da Porto celebrates Palladio's work.  Paintings by Titian, Veronese, El Greco, and Canaletto illustrate his life while the architect's own sketches speak to his work.  Additionally, the exhibit includes books and models as well as other artifacts from the architect and his times.  Read more about it in the Financial Times. For more information on Palladio, check out the Palladio 2008 website. They also list other Palladio events and walking itineraries.

Can't make it to Vicenza?  The exhibit moves to London in January where it will take up residence at the Royal Academy (Januay 31 - April 13, 2009).  It is then slated to cross the Atlantic for an exhibition at a yet-unnamed museum in the United States.  Stay tuned!

Bernini and the Birth of Baroque Portrait Sculpture

Stateside, the Bernini exhibit at the Getty Museum is in its final days. If you are in LA, check it out before it closes on October 26.  If you can't make it to LA, at least check out the Getty website.  They have posted a fabulous slideshow of a few pieces from the exhibit.  

Thursday Morning Update:  I just got word via Twitter that the Getty Center is closed today because of fires nearby.  They reported that museum is NOT in threatened at this time.  Please check with the Getty before heading over to see the Bernini exhibit.