In the flesh
June 1st, 2024
I knew it was coming as soon as I had a glimpse. I knew what to expect. It was one of the first galleries I visited today in Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna and as soon as I stepped inside (and by the way, I was one of the first couple of visitors to this museum today) it started. I got goosebumps and chills and shivers down my spine. I felt lightheaded as I fragilely walked toward this painting. There was some hum coming from other directions, but for me, this only mattered — I was in the presence of timeless beauty. I knew that painting very well, of course — I’ve seen it in albums and art history books and online by browsing and watching videos about the artist or the time period. That painting had no mysteries for me. And yet, being in the physical presence of the actual work of art had an arresting effect on my body. That was only the start. I experienced more moments like that, and not only with the works of Bruegel.
Walking around this museum I saw so many paintings I recognized from different places and sources. Each recognition brought more or less the same experience — goosebumps and exhilaration. Even the crowds that were getting bigger by the minute were no problem for me (which was unusual — I hate the casual tourists running around the museum, blocking the way and angels of sight and behaving like an uncouth mob). I was able to concentrate on what was in front of me, without any second thought for outside stimuli. And Kunsthistorisches Museum is big enough, and constructed in such a way that I could always find an empty room, or a nook somewhere just to contemplate. And here is a confession — In the ancient Egyptian wing of the museum, I touched a sculpture of a scribe from the time of the 3rd Dynasty, a work of art from 4500 years ago. I had to. Physical presence, seeing (and touching) art in the flesh wreaks positive havoc on my mind.
