Foggs Museum Tour

There have always been collectors in our societies. Scholars date the establishment of the earliest museums during the 17th and 18th centuries . The Ashmolean Museum, in Oxford, opened its doors in 1683.  The Louvre, British Museum and Uffizi gallery all opened their doors during the 18th century.  Detail of a carving above the main entrance to the Ashmolean Museum photo credit: Ruth Swan, Shutterstock 168202407 Before the advent of the modern museum though, there existed cabinets of curiosities . Private collections of art, technology, minerals, taxidermized animals and dried plants. These objects were put on display so that they could deepen the viewers' knowledge of the world. Earlier than this, Roman soldiers were known to display the booty they had won during military conquests . It seems a natural human instinct to surround ourselves with that which we admire, either for its beauty or its cleverness.  Cabinet of Curiosities  photo credit: Mathew Hollinshead, Shutterstock 4506

The first time I visited the Louvre in Paris, I thought that nine hours would be enough, and still, I found myself frantically rushing about trying to fit one more thing of beauty in before the doors closed. I remember the moment I turned the corner and saw Psyche being revived by Cupid's kiss.   Cupid revives Psyche with his Kiss Photo credit: Paolo Gaolo. Shutterstock. 95023339.  How could a marble statue convey such intimacy and warmth? How could love be represented through stone? My eyes felt starved for the magic of the paintings and sculptures contained within those walls. I am blessed that this experience has repeated itself for me again and again. I have spent an eternity in the Rijksmuseum studying the veins on the hands of subjects, meticulously painted by Rembrandt. I have felt dumbstruck trying to understand the skill and patience of the artist who carved the Ivory Puzzle ball displayed at the National Palace Museum in Taiwan.  Chinese Puzzle ball carved out of ivory

  Hello! My name is Louise. I was born in South Africa, but I have lived all around the world, including Ireland, and China, and I now call Australia home. I love learning about history.  When I was a child, I found the stories which shaped our current reality fascinating, it is only through understanding where we have come from that we can make sense of who we are today. I studied several art history subjects at university and, thanks to my wanderlust, I have visited many amazing museums and galleries around the world. With FoggsMuseumTour I hope to take you on a journey of exploration as I learn more about art history and museums.