Today we’re going to take an unorthodox tour of the Getty Villa in Malibu – no docents, no lessons. Just a walk through this inspiration palace, looking at the things that truly caught my eye: patterns of repetition, symmetry, mind-blowing ornate detail and really really old stuff!
We’re not starting at the entry, oh no. We’re going straight for the best stuff. The outer peristyle, with it’s rythmic fluted columns and coffered ceiling offered perfectly framed views from every direction. To the right you have a gorgeous scene of fountains and bronze statues.
Notice the eery low fog. This was the most amazing weather, a perfect fall museum-going day.
To the left, as you peer through these amazing windows, you get a look at the Getty’s herb garden – where you could cure just about any ancient ailment.
My next favorite thing was the Amarilla Triana marble that covered much of the interior of the museum. What’s so special? It reminded me of old maps, collaged together on the floor, walls AND ceiling. Here’s a pretty good shot:
This is the underside of the staircase, i.e., the ceiling. Cool. And here’s where you can see it all together – plus me, looking like a goofy-faced angel.
I did pay attention to some of the art. My first favorite was this adorable little guy – a satyr playing inside a theater mask. See his face peeking through the eye hole? He’s got a mischevious smile that totally made my day.
My next favorite was this statue of Zeus, such an awesome composite of materials, burned and partially melted it its lifetime. But you can’t bring Zeus down, and this pretty much proves it.
Oh, and that’s a slab of onyx behind him. Not sure why this one wasn’t back lit, but it was beeeyoutiful.
A few more:
inner peristyle garden
oh beautiful foggy day
random highlight of columns
even with modern machinery, I'm kind of impressed by this.
Hope you’ve enjoyed our little tour. My architecture and art history teachers would probably be disappointed, but I loved my inspiration tour of the Getty Villa! Ciao.
