Art: Priceless or Worthless of the money

review by Chloe Hoang

Would you spend 1.6 million dollars on art? Isabella Stewart Gardner certainly did. Some may think that the money spending artworks is money not well spent. However, a visit to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum will change your mind. The museum used to also be her home. Calling this building Isabella’s museum or home is an understatement, because it is far too sophisticated and luxurious to be just that. Stepping into the museum, you will be amazed and confused and you will wonder whether you are still in the 21^st century in Boston, or you are back in the 1800s in the castle an episode of Reign.           

            Isabella Stewart Gardner was one of the biggest art collectors in America. She was born in New York City in 1840. She had dreamt of collecting and opening her own museum since the age of 16. In 1891, when her father, David Stewart passed away, she inherited 1.6 million dollars from him. Isabella and her husband decided to use the money to collect art. She achieved her dream at the age of 62, when she finally built the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.

            Each floor of the museum was arranged meticulously by Isabella. She leaves no description to any piece of art in her museum because she wanted everyone who came and enjoy the art to have their own interpretation of the art. From the architecture of the museum to all the artwork placements, Isabella was very involved in the processes of creating the museum.

Isabella collected a large amount of portraits. She placed most of the portraits that she collected in a large, royal dinning room. There are distinct candle stands on the four walls of this room. One of the more powerful paintings is on the right corner of the north wall. It is mysterious and striking portrait of Mary I Queen of England. In the portrait, Queen Mary sits red chair with gold patter, in a stiff upright position. Her hair is in an up-do with a small but very expensive diamond crown on her head. She is dressed in a maroon and brown, velvet dress with a blue flower pattern layer underneath. She is also wearing a rectangular, dark blue gem necklace, so big that you definitely cannot miss it. She is holding a blush pink rose on her left hand. On her waist, as well as a golden waist chain/ belt with a Catholic cross attached. Her stare is right at you, very firm, strong, and even urgent, like she was trying to say something.

Queen Mary’s portrait was painted by the King of Spain’s painter. This portrait was painted specifically for the King of Spain to introduce her to him before they get married. Thus the purpose of the portrait, all the clothing choices, to posture choices would all be intentionally. Queen Mary’s portrait portrayed her as a very wealthy and powerful woman. Unlike the usual image of woman at that time who were supposed to be more fragile and obedient to men, Queen Mary seemed to hold her ground.

            Below the portrait, Isabella placed chairs similar to the one in the portrait. There is a candle stand of a black angle next to the portrait. Isabella preserved a whole corner for Queen Mary’s painting. Just like the viewers, Isabella was definitely mesmerized by the incredibly power that Queen Mary held. Even at one small corner of a big room, Queen Mary’s fierceness still stood out, just like how she did in her reign.

            After visiting the museum, you will still think that Isabella Stewart Gardner is somewhat crazy for spending so much money on art, but you will agree that her insanity if reasonable because the castle-like museum is very worth her inheritance.