The Hawk

Issue date: 10/10/07 Section: Entertainment

The Barnes Foundation's galleries are filled with classics.

The Barnes Foundation in Bala Cynwyd was opened to Saint Joseph's students for Parent and Alumni Weekend. Established by Albert C. Barnes in 1922, it contains 24 rooms of some of the most exquisite art pieces of the 20th century and stands today as a museum to promote the appreciation and understanding of fine art.

It was here that my fellow students, parents, and I were able to appreciate the works of 66 different artists, including numerous works from Cézanne, Renoir, and Matisse.

After walking to the far corners of Lapsley Lane, we came across a large mansion, appearing even from the outside as a venue for artistic excellence. A small, quaint well and symmetrical figures on the outside tile greet visitors to the museum, only preparing them for the masterpieces dwelling within.

The first room that all visitors come to is the Main Gallery, decorated with some of the greatest works of Matisse, Seurat, Cézanne, and Renoir. One of the most prominent themes that I found upon viewing this room is the large contrast in style between Renoir and Cézanne. Cézanne's works within this room include "The Card Players," "Oranges and a Bottle," among numerous others. Within all of these, the crisp and defined shapes of the elements in his work are very apparent.

Renoir's pieces, on the other hand ("The Henriot Family," for example), incorporate organic, misty, and smooth lines and characters.

The Barnes Foundation's collection of these works of art from different artistic styles assists in supplying a diversity of paintings, as well as allowing the visitors to view and appreciate these different artists.

The Museum is composed of such a plethora of artistic masterpieces that you can only understand its value by visiting it.

One specific piece of art stood out so much in my memory, however, that the impression that it left upon on me is certainly worth mentioning. In room nine, Claude Monet's "Studio Boat" is found on the south wall. This painting was done in 1876 and uses the medium of oil on canvas, with a limited palette of red, green, blue, and lilac. It was done by Monet along the Seine River, which flows through the city of Paris. The true appeal of the masterpiece, however, is found within Monet's ability to capture the viewer and allow her to feel as though she is looking along the river herself. Describing this work of art with words, however, does not even begin to do it justice.

"I was impressed with the volume of great artists that it contained in the exhibit. I had no idea that there were so many Cézannes and priceless other paintings," said Sharon Zimmerman, a spectator at the museum. "It was so exciting getting to see so many in such a small facility."

I truly must encourage all students interested in the fine arts to visit the Barnes Foundation.

A strongly debated controversy concerning the Foundation is now occurring. These great pieces of art will be moved from Lapsey Lane to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia. The reasoning behind this is so that they may be made more readily available to a great number of people who want to see these fine works, rather than remaining hidden in Merion Township. This is why I would encourage you not to waste any time missing out on this artistic experience, and to visit the Barnes Foundation before it is only a former neighbor to our campus.

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