Famous Art in the Met - Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or famously called “the Met” is renowned for having the most prominent art collections from different parts of the world. It is located in New York City and is the home of artists who showcase their skills. You can feel the cultural vibes anywhere you go inside the museum. If you are planning to visit New York, complete your vacation by visiting some of these art collections found in the Met.
The Denial of St. Peter
Being one of the famous paintings all over the world, the Met has luckily preserved “The Denial of St. Peter” artwork. The Italian painter Caravaggio crafted this painting in 1610. It shows Peter denying Jesus after Jesus was arrested. It also depicts the three fingers pointed at Peter which symbolizes the three times he betrayed Jesus. Many believe that it is one of the last two works by Caravaggio.
Venus Italica
Ludovico 1, the King of Ethuria, ordered a new statue again in 1804 to replace the Medici Venus that had been taken by the French for the Musee Napoleon. It was Antonio Canova who created it and completed the artwork in the 1820s. It depicts the ancient Roman god clutching a piece of fabric while trying to peer the other side of her shoulders. It would amaze anyone on how the artist gives life to the statue though it was constructed from marble.
Dancing Celestial Deity (Devata)
The Dancing Celestial Deity (Devata) is a sculpture made of sandstone and originated in the early 12th century from India, which is now Uttar Pradesh. This artwork represents one of the celestial or semidivine attendants who dance to worship the main deity of the temple. She has exaggerated pose that gives her figure a contour. She also wears jewelry and ornaments that match her rhythmic dance movements.
Human-Headed Winged Bull and Winged Lion (Lamassu)
The human-headed winged bull and winged lion (lamassu) is a historical piece which is part of 9th century B.C. It is a sculpture that stood in his palace the Assyrian King Ashurnasirpa II who created Nimrud, a new capital city filled with various luxuries. It has Assyrian symbols on its body. One is a hat which symbolizes divinity while the belt marks power. This creature with five legs was called a lamassu, which is regarded to support the King and his palace against enemies.
Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara in Water Moon Form (Shuiyue Guanyin)
This powerful figure with his right leg bent while his arm draped on the knee belongs to a group of wooden sculptures. His pose represents the Pure Land, his place known to be the island of Mt. Putuo. There is an inscription found on the interior surface of a removable piece located in the figure’s back. It shows that this sculpture was crafted in 1385 under the direction of Xin Zhongwen. Also appeared in the inscription are the names of two artists, Feng Xiaozhong, and his son.
