Lightner Museum

 Lightner Museum

75 King St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
March 10, 2022

Found in the center of Saint Augustine, stands the Lightner museum, rich with history. The Lightner Museum, built in 1888 by Henry Flager became a museum in 1948. The museum includes 3 floors filled with art exhibits along with a gift shop on the first floor. The previous indoor pool in the museum has now been transformed into a diner for the public to enjoy. The museum has beautiful architecture and collections for the public to admire.  

Exterior:

Exterior: 

                                                                            Artifact:

John Rogers (American,1829-1904)

"You are a Spirit, I know: When Did You Die?" 1885

Painted plaster

Early in his career, Rogers declared his intent to create sculptures inspired by the works of Shakespeare. Writing in 1861 he stated. Taking my designs from Shakespeare will give them a dignity that everyday subjects don't have. In this large statuary group, Rogers illustrates a scene from Act IV of Shakespeare's powerful tragedy King Lear. Stripped of his wealth and power through the betrayal of his scheming daughters Goneril and Regan, Lear has wandered over the stormy heath, driven to the point of insanity. Rogers depicts a moment of redemption, as the aged king is reunited with his loyal daughter, Cordelia. In a rectangular stage-like setting the seated Lear reaches out to touch his daughter Cordelia who sits anxiously at his feet. Behind Lear and Cordelia, the king's supporter the Earl of Kent, and a doctor look on.

Artifact:

Bernhard Bloch & Company Bohemian (Czechoslovakian) 

Monumental Centerpiece Vase with Fantasy Creatures, ca. 1900

Glazed Majolica Ceramics

Image in Conversation:

The Creation of Adam

Artist: Michelangelo

The Lightner Museum also reminded me of Renaissance art, like the fresco painting by Michelangelo, “The Creation of Adam.” This painting was made in 1512 and forms part of the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling. The painting illustrates the Book of Genesis where God makes Adam. 

Image in Conversation:

Spartacus

1830

Artist: Foyatier, Denis

When walking into the Lightner Museum, I was reminded of the Louvre. Although I’ve never visited the museum in real life I have learned about multiple of the art pieces it holds. This is a sculpture of Spartacus that’s currently held in the Louvre. It was made in 1830 by Denis Foyatier with marble.

Literature Passage:

Love in a Time of Climate Change

Craig Santos Perez

"I don't love you as if you were rare earth metals, conflict diamonds, or reserves of crude oil that cause war. I love you as one loves the most vulnerable. species: urgently, between the habitat and its loss."

Right away in this excerpt from Love in a Time of Climate Change, I was reminded of the crystals located in the Lightner Museum. The phrase "the most vulnerable" reminded me of the art at the museum. Art is filled with history and influence but it's one of the most delicate of artifacts out there. Even age is known to damage art. But although art it's vulnerable it's loved, especially in the Lightner Museum. 

Creative Component:

This is a drawing of Michelangelo's sculpture David. I chose to draw this because the sculptures are what struck me the most at the Lightner Museum. 

More information on:

https://lightnermuseum.org/