Art Galleries In London - Courtauld Gallery

Van Gogh, Manet and Monet at Somerset House in London

Jun 4, 2009

London has many impressive galleries housing all kinds of masterpieces, though none are as surprising or as satisfying as the Courtauld gallery.

The Courtauld Gallery at the opposite end of Strand to Trafalgar Square is a hidden treasure amidst spurting water fountains and the baroque grandeurs of Somerset House. The collection belongs to the Courtauld family who settled in London after fleeing France amid catholic reprisals in the 17th Century and features impressive works of art that includes several masterpieces, prints, silverware and sculptures.

On the ground floor a small exhibition of colourful religious art and images of deity are well worth a quick look though it is the Wolfson Rooms on the first floor that holds the most captivating exhibits. Here visitors will find works of Neo classical artists and French impressionists that include Pierre Auguste Renoir, 'La Loge,' together with several works by Claude Monet including the delightful 'Antibes.'

However, it is Edouard Manet's famous 'A bar at the Folies-Bergere' that is the centre-piece of this particular genre flanked by a fine selection of Paul Cezanne and Paul Gauguin's penetrative, 'The Dream.' Moving on is the iconic image of Vincent van Gogh's 'Self Portrait with Bandaged Ear,' his first piece following his infamous ear slicing incident in 1889.

The Edo Room has an Italian Renaissance theme in the distinctive shape of Sandro Boticelli, Parmigianino, Benvenuti and the gruesome depiction of 'The Assasination of St. Peter Martyr,' by Giovanni Bellini. The collection also displays lavishly painted gilded chests, decorated plates dating back to the 16th century and an exquisitely decorated harpsichord. The flamboyant Flemish barque painter, Peter Paul Rubens, is also well represented with several of his works on display including his depiction of 'Cain slaying Abel,' and 'The Death of Achilles.' Also among this collection is the famous painting of 'Adam and Eve,' by Lucas Cranach the Elder dating back to 1526.

At the summit of the winding staircase is a grand selection of bronze sculptures by Edgar Degas together with a couple of his oil paintings. Visitors can also view Henri Matisse and Andre Derain on their way through to the back of the gallery where they arrive in the quaintest of rooms featuring chic oil sketches by Georges Seurat. In the final room, a Henry Moore sculpture is displayed alongside the fascinating Art Nouveau of Wassily Kandinsky.

In the opposite wing by the entrance of Somerset House is a gift shop selling books, jewellery, ornaments, decorated plates, pictures scarves and ties whilst at the opposite end of the forecourt and out through the reception area are tables and chairs perfect for taking a breather and relaxing with a cold drink or cup of coffee.

Tickets to see the Courtauld collection is £5 ($8) for adults and £4 ($6.50) for concessions, though if you go between 10am and 2pm on a Monday, entrance into the gallery is free of charge (except Public holidays.)

The Courtauld Gallery, Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 0RN. Opening times 10.00 - 18.00. Last admission 17.30.

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