Renaissance

As I write this I can truly say I am a world away.  My last day was long and without a base.  I left my bag at the hotel.  First filler of course was a favourite charity cafe for a decent coffee and a time waste.  Then the Städel and Holbein and the Renaissance in the North.  I'd seen ads for a special exhibition on Holbein but it was to start 2 Nov.  In the end, I was back in Frankfurt after 2 Nov but then it was closed on Monday but Tuesday was perfect.  Suffice to say I loved the Holbein; discovered, and for some works, preferred his sparring partner Hans Burgkmair; ambrosiated in an appearance of van Eyck; learnt a good deal; came to understand some of the altar art designs of the period and the folding panels that were exposed on whatever day.  And to finish, I got in a quick visit to the Städel's permanent collection, the old masters and especially my Botticelli girlfriend (Sandro Botticelli. Idealised Portrait of a Lady [Portrait of Simonetta Vespucci as Nymph], ca. 1480–1485).  It seems I shared her with Giuliano de Medici as a mistress, and perhaps with Botticelli as a female face in a string of his paintings.  Not the greatest gallery ever, but a favourite of mine.

Holbein and the Renaissance in the North was an exhibition at the Stadel Museum, Frankfurt.