Postcard from Melbourne: So much to see at the NGV

While Anne and a writer friend of hers chatted over afternoon tea in the first floor restaurant, I discovered just how much there is to see at the NGV (National Gallery of Victoria).

What is there to see at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)?

In addition to the wonderful David Hockney exhibition which I blogged about on 9 January, NGV has so much more art to show to the world.

Alfred Felton’s generous bequest in 1904 has enabled the NGV to be a world-leading collecting institution. There is work by Picasso, Rothko, Bacon, Man Ray, Max Ernst, Paul Nash, Bonnard, Rodin, Van Gogh, Pissaro, Renoir, Manet and Monet, Courbet, Constable and, of course, Turner.

What were the highlights for me?

(Left) Rodin’s The Thinker: it was well worth spending time, admiring his undoubtable handiwork.

Rodin’s The Kiss is one of Anne’s favorites and we’ll have to arrange a return visit to NGA before we leave Australia so she can see The Thinker too ‘in the flesh’.

Manet’s The House at Rivell was also breathtaking, and was attracting quite a crowd.

(Right) Degas’ Portrait of a Woman, identity unknown … clearly, she was known to him!

John Constable’s Study of a boat passing a Lock – wonderful!

And, my featured image at the top of this blog post, is David Hockney’s The Second Marriage. … It’s an interesting, different, study of this state of existence. I’m on mine and loving it – and the painting was great too.

You want to see some more photos?

(Left) This is a Picasso vase. Lord alone knows how much it is worth. It’s on display within a sturdy glass cabinet. Very sensible!

(Right) This is Head of a man by Van Gogh. Although Van Gogh tried to conform to the traditional approach, his passion enlivened this work so much that it has much more power emanating from the canvas than other portraits of that era.

I spent such a short time, wandering around, amazed at the collection of treasures, and now need to schedule some time for a return visit.

However, Anne and I depart for a week in Tasmania tomorrow so you can expect a report of our planned visit to MONA before I get a chance to return to see what Melbourne’s art galleries have to offer the visitor.

If you have visited Tasmania, or live there, what galleries – apart from MONA – would you recommend we visit?

This post is one of my POSTCARD series, sharing all things ART with you when I go travelling.