Roaming through the Huntington Gallery on a Rainy Day

On Tuesday, December 30th, I roamed through the Huntington Library, Gardens and European Gallery with friends and family.  We had previously enjoyed Band Fest which is a part of the Tournament of Roses events.  The bands from Denmark to Temple City put on their field shows and marched by us as we applauded and cheered their talents and enthusiasm.

Although it was a cloudy and cold day for Southern Cal, we went to the Huntington for lunch and a roam only to be greeted by rain.  So we dashed between the Library's historical documents and the European Gallery in the former mansion of the Huntingtons.  I find somethings new to appreciate each time I visit.  Here are a few of the art treasures that I appreciated:

"The Last Gleanings," 1895 by Jules Adolphe Aime Louis Breton, French, 1827-1906.
This social realist painting shows peasants working in the fields.  It may symbolize the passing of time with the young girl, mature woman and elderly gleaner in the fields.  

"The Three Witches," 1782 by Henry Fuseli, Swiss, 1741-1825 active Great Britain.
This painting is the artist's interpretation of the witches from Shakespeare's "Macbeth." 

"A Fine Evening after Rain," 1815 by John Linnell, British, 1792-1882.

"View on the Stour near Dedham," 1822 by John Constable, British, 1776-1837.Constable painted the Stour River in his native Suffolk.  The Dedham church tower is in the distance.  This painting was completed on a six foot canvas which perhaps demonstrates his love of his homeland.

"Two Boys by Candlelight, Blowing a Bladder," 1767-73 by Joseph Wright of Derby, British, 1734-1797
This artist uses a dramatic effects of light and shadow generated by the hidden flame of a candle.

"The Cottage Door," 1780 by Thomas Gainsborough, British, 1727-1768.  Gainsborough is famous for his portraits, including "Blue Boy" which is also in this gallery.  However, it is said that he loved his landscapes and is known as one of the founders of the 18th century British landscape school.  He is quoted as saying that he was sick of portraits and wished to walk off to some sweet village where he could paint landscapes and enjoy the end of life in quietness and ease.
I spent some time exploring this painting and appreciating his use of color, light and the subject of the woman and children at the door of a simple cottage.  The light seems to set a glow the cottage and tree above it.