My cousin and I visited The Lyman Allyn Museum in New London. It was a sunny day with clear blue skies. As we approached the building, I noticed the sculptures scattered on the grounds. We were greeted by a pleasant older woman at the receptionist desk. In the foyer were three colorful lighted structures filled with water. The water is moved by kinetic energy , so as you place your hand on the structure the water moves around. At the top of the blog are some of the pictures taken at the Lyman Allyn Museum. The first picture is "Sunrise on the Matterhorn by Albert Bierstadt. The other paintings are by Guy Higgins, Willard Metcalf, Beatrice Cummings, James Dougherty and Morris Berd respectively.
The Lyman Allyn Museum was founded in 1926 by Harriet Upson Allyn in memory of her father Lyman Allyn. It was a gift to the citizens of the community so they could learn more about art and culture. On the grounds there is a September 11th Memorial Garden and the 1829 Deshon Allyn House. The building is neo- classical and was designed by Charles Platt. The museum has about ten thousand objects including European Art, American Fine and Decorative Art. Also seventeenth century works on paper, nineteenth century American Paintings and Contemporary Art. The museum offers educational programs for all citizens from pr-schoolers to senior citizens to enjoy. Every first Sunday of the month is free to help highlight the programs offered.
The very first painting that commanded my attention was "Boy with Bird" by Morris Berd. It is the sixth picture on this blog. The painting is done in oil on canvas. It is colorful and deliberate. It seems like the boy is in the middle of the jungle with only his bird for company. The art is framed in an aged wooden frame which really makes the painting stand out among the others. The boy has very strong features with a very determined look on his face. I feel like he is trying to convey a very strong message to the viewer just by the way he is poised with the bird in his hand.
Morris Berd was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1914. Morris was educated at the Philadelphia College of Art and the University per Strangeri , Perugia, Italy. He was an Art Educator, Lecturer and well known muralist. Mr Berd taught at his almer mater Philadelphia college of Art from 1936 to 1970. Morris was known for his historical murals, lithography and landscape paintings. His methods were easel painting, print making and graphic design. Some of the mediums he used were fresco and oil paint. His subjects included human activity like the" Boy with Bird", history and landscape. He did several commissions including History of Oil" for Sun Oil company and " History Of Architecture" for Gumbel Brothers of Philadelphia. Mr. Berd's contribution to the Art World will not be forgotten.
References:
http://www.lymanallyn.org
http://www.askart.com/AskArt/artists/biography.aspx?
Okay, nicely done Claudia. Did you get a date for Berg's painting and its dimensions?
ReplyDeleteWas he affiliated with a group or movement?
Jerrry, Berd's painting "Boy with Bird" was painted in 1952. My research did not reveal any affiliation with a group or movement. The dimensions were not written on the info sheet at the museum. I even called for verification today but the dimensions were not readily available.
ReplyDeleteWow... that is interesting that they didn't include the size information on the placard next to the painting... Thanks for trying.
ReplyDelete