After reading the article in the New York Times proposing to remove the Mona Lisa, I believe that the author makes some great points as to why it should be removed. The Mona Lisa causes a lot of congestion in the Louvre and tourists typically go to see the Mona Lisa just so that they can take selfies next to it and say that they saw it. Now there is nothing wrong with this, but there is more to art than just going to a museum to take selfies next to a painting. This gets in the way of the individuals who are truly into art and would like to appreciate all that the museum has to offer. I feel that the Mona Lisa should be moved to a separate location that would clear up space for the other exhibits in the museum. Also separate tickets should be sold to see the Mona Lisa along with those sold to see the rest of the museum. The drawback to removing the Mona Lisa altogether is that the painting is generating a lot of revenue for the through tickets and merchandise.
Author: Jeron Ryan
Jeron Ryan: It is Time to Relocate The Mona Lisa
After reading the article in the New York Times I agree that the Louvre should relocate the Mona Lisa to another location within the museum and implement measures to decrease the commotion and make the rest of the museum more accessible to others. This will also help better the experience for those visitors who are genuine art lovers versus those individuals who do not really care much for art but are tourists looking to simply take a selfie next to the Mona Lisa because its supposedly a cool thing to do. All in all, the Mona Lisa is a nice art piece but there are many other art works that are more interesting.
Thanksgiving 2019
Unfortunately I had to work this Thanksgiving but here is what my family prepared before I left for work. Turkey, Ham, Salad, Quinoa, Callaloo, Potato Salad, Macaroni Pie, Candied Yams. More food was on the way from the kitchen. Yes, I put aside a plate for myself before leaving for work. Lol.
Jeron Ryan: Reconstructed Notre Dame
This was a great question. I believe that the Notre Dame Cathedral should be rebuilt with a similar gothic design as before, but with a modern touch. I like the idea of using sustainable, environmentally friendly materials in the construction process because as things are constituted now, construction processes can be very detrimental to the environment. Also, along with the new, more modern touch to the structure there should be a plaque or item that commemorates the older structure before the fire, while also providing context as to why a more modern touch was added to the cathedral. I really liked the plan put forth by Vincent Callebaut Architectures making use of the gothic architectural style, along with adding a biomimetic forest for the cathedral.
http://vincent.callebaut.org/zoom/projects/190503_tributetonotredame/tributetonotredame_pl000.jpg
Jeron Ryan
Jeron Ryan: How Evil was Commodus
Commodus as expressed in the Historia of Augusta was a highly offensive, morally debased individual. In the biography he is depicted as an emperor who abused his power. In the bust of Commodus, he is shown with what appears to be a club in his right hand, along with fruits (probably apples) in his left hand. Commodus was a very violent person and thoroughly enjoyed observing and take part in gladiator matches. This might be why he has the weapon in his right hand. Also, in the bust, Commodus has the remains of a lion on top of his head with the lion’s paws wrapped around his shoulders. I believe that this was done to portray a level of fierceness, power, and respect. Besides being an extremely vile individual, Commodus seemed to be very narcissistic and absorbed with himself. He really wanted to be seen as Hercules and also had the names of months changed in order to honor himself. I also gather the sense that Commodus was an extremely sadistic person. In the biography is says that he placed a starling on top of the head of a man that he noticed had a few white hairs amongst the black which resembled worms. This in turn caused the bird to continually peck at the man’s head, causing much pain and discomfort. Commodus’ bust also has a defined, muscular build, demonstrating strength and authority. This bust commemorates one of the many emperors whom abused their position of power.
