Museum Musings: Ugly Baby Jesus

If you go to the Louvre, or any large traditional Western museum for that matter, you will notice that a large percentage of the art there is religious.  That's because it took about 1500 years after Christ's birth for artists to decide it was okay to paint other things besides Biblical Scenes. That doesn't make the art not interesting, or well executed, it just gets quite repetitive to look at. Upon one visit to the Louvre with my parents, I was quite tired and not really in an art appreciation mood. I noticed that several of the baby Jesus representations were quite funny looking. I proceed to spend the rest of my visit hunting out ugly or weird deceptions of the Baby Jesus with the Virgin Mary.  It seems that pre-Renaissance artists didn't know how to paint a baby. Perhaps they were all single men who had never seen one up close, or their wives were the only ones who spent quality time with the baby. Either way, enjoy my collection of ugly Jesuses. If you like my pictures, you'll love the tumblr Ugly Renaissance Babies.

That's an unfortunate hairline for a baby.

Museum Musings: SFMOMA

Yesterday Edwin and I went to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, my first visit. I have a very closed mind in terms of Modern Art, so there were plenty of internal giggles and eye rolls at some of the edgier displays. I'm not saying a urinal on the wall at a museum isn't art, I just find it to be stupid art. That being said, there were plenty of pieces I found interesting and enjoyed.  I know my little digital photos don't to them justice, so you'll just have to go for yourself.

Andy Warhol, Self-Portrait, 1967

Roy Lichtenstein, Mirror #2, 1970.

A re-imagining of Monet's series of the Rouen Cathedral. Roy Lichtenstein, Rouen Cathedrals Set V, 1969

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

I spend so much pop culture energy on blogging about Arrested Development, I feel like I've been neglecting movies lately.  As such, I have resolved to make sure to go to the movies once a week this summer.  I'm already a little behind, so today I saw Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. It obviously wasn't the best in the series, but I was sufficiently entertained.

The most significant difference was Penelope Cruz stepping into the Keira Knightly lead female role. She certainly has the advantage in the heaving bosom department, and I liked her character. I thought the recurring theme of religion in the movie was interesting from a historical perspective, with the handsome missionary and Spanish characters.

I'm kind of really into the history of piracy in this period, so I could go on all day. Instead, I'll share some cute pirate inspired jewelry. To start with this pendant from ModCloth captures the feel of the one worn by Cruz' character.

ModCloth: Cross Marks the Spot Necklace

After the jump, lots more fun nautical treasures to bring some rebel pirate spirit to your jewelry box!

Happy Spring! Espadrilles Galore

Lacoste "Marthe"

Old Navy Canvas Wedge Sandals

Soludos makes this classic style in  a rainbow of colors and patterns for both Men & Women.
They are also available at shopbop.

Whether or not you believe that Christ was resurrected on this day about 1,980 years ago, we all have reason to celebrate! Easter marks the first real day of Spring (I refuse to accept the Vernal Equinox as a psychologically, religiously, or culturally significant day). This morning, after checking out my adorable Easter basket, I headed out into the backyard to capture some shots of my shoes among the spring blossoms.

This season, espadrilles are everywhere, not just just in our garden. They can be flats, wedges, sky-high platforms, open-toed, peep-toed, sandals, laced-up, with uppers in a variety of materials. I suggest heading on over to Wikipedia to read a bit about the espadrille. This blog has a condensed history and some great pics of celebrities in their espadrilles including JFK and Grace Kelly! This season, both Jennifer Garner and Kate Bosworth have been seen wearing their seersucker Soludos.

After the jump, another pair from my closet plus some more great styles.