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Legion of Honor

When is a Hals a Hals?

Posted by Andrew Fox on October 5, 2011

Frans Hals Gentleman in White

Frans Hals, Dutch, 1580–1666
Portrait of a Gentleman in White, ca. 1637
Oil on canvas
Legion of Honor, Gallery 15

This week, the Los Angeles Times reported on the authentication of a Frans Hals painting that was once owned by Elizabeth Taylor. Long attributed the “School of Hals,” the painting was re-attributed to the artist himself by a team of scholars brought together by Christie’s auction house.

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FRAME|WORK: An Etruscan reclining banqueter

Posted by Sarah Bailey Hogarty on October 5, 2011

FRAME|WORK is a weekly blog series that highlights an artwork in the Museums' permanent collections. This week, we feature a lively lush from ancient Etruria, currently on display in the Hall of Antiquities on the lower level of the Legion of Honor.

Statuette of a Reclining Banqueter, 6th century BC. Italy, Etruria, Etruscan. Cast and incised bronze on marble base. Gift of Arthur Sachs. 1952.26

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Word Gallery: Still Life

Posted by Sarah Bailey Hogarty on September 29, 2011

Throughout art history, scholars have devised a special vocabulary to talk about art. These terms are very useful, but they are not always self-explanatory. So we thought we'd take you into the art historical word gallery to provide some definitions commonly used to describe artistic styles, techniques or movements in art.

Still Life

Willem Claesz. Heda (Haarlem 1594–1680 Haarlem), Still Life with Glasses and Tobacco, 1633. Oil on panel, 20 x 29 3/4 inches (50.8 x 75.6 cm). The Rose-Marie and Eijk van Otterloo Collection. Image courtesy Peabody Essex Museum

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FRAME|WORK: Magnolia Blossom by Imogen Cunningham

Posted by Sarah Bailey Hogarty on September 28, 2011

FRAME|WORK is a weekly blog series that highlights an artwork in the Museums' permanent collections. This week, we feature an iconic photograph by renowned Bay Area photographer Imogen Cunningham. Magnolia Blossom is currently not on view, so take some time to stop and smell the flowers (virtually)!

Imogen Cunningham (American, 1883–1976). Magnolia Blossom, 1925 (printed 1930). Gelatin silver print. Museum purchase, M.H. deYoung Memorial Museum. 54042

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Will Work for Art: Christopher Lentz

Posted by Sarah Bailey Hogarty on September 27, 2011

"Will Work for Art" takes you behind the scenes to meet the people who make the Fine Arts Museums work. This week we introduce you to the fabulous Christopher Lentz, Manager of Visitor Services and Volunteer Programs. Originally from Nashville (by way of Honolulu), Christopher has been with the Museums for over two years.

Chris pictured in his "crying gallery," James Turrell's Three Gems.

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FRAME|WORK: The Holy Family with the Infant Saint John the Baptist by Simon Vouet

Posted by Sarah Bailey Hogarty on September 14, 2011

FRAME|WORK is a weekly blog series that highlights an artwork in the Museums' permanent collections. This week, we feature an exquisite portrait of the holy family painted by a Frenchman in Italy. Simon Vouet's The Holy Family with the Infant Saint John the Baptist is currently on view at the Legion of Honor.

Simon Vouet (French, 1590–1649). The Holy Family with the Infant Saint John the Baptist, 1626. Oil on panel, transferred to composition board. Museum purchase, Mildred Anna Williams Collection. 1974.8

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Will Work for Art: Patty Lacson

Posted by Sarah Bailey Hogarty on September 13, 2011

"Will Work for Art" takes you behind the scenes to meet the people who make the Fine Arts Museums work. This week we meet Patty Lacson, the Director of Facilities. Originally from Flushing, MI, Patty has been with the Museums for nineteen years.

What do you do here at the Museums?

I’m the Director of Facilities. I am responsible for the upkeep of the de Young and Legion buildings. I also oversee the Facility Rental Department and café operations and provide logistical support to all museum departments. I try to keep all operational aspects of the Museums running smoothly.

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The Truth about Alabaster

Posted by Lesley Bone on September 9, 2011

You may have heard the term alabaster used to describe the pristine skin of a beautiful woman or the smooth surface of statue, as in the case of The Mourners: Tomb Sculptures from the Court of Burgundy, on view at the Legion of Honor through December 31.

Jean de La Huerta and Antoine le Moiturier. Mourner no. 55, mourner with head uncovered, wiping his tears on his cloak with his right hand, 1443–1456/57. Alabaster. Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon. Photo © FRAME (French Regional and American Museum Exchange) by Jared Bendis and François JAY.

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Word Gallery: Workshop

Posted by Sarah Bailey Hogarty on September 8, 2011

Throughout art history, scholars have devised a special vocabulary to talk about art. These terms are very useful, but they are not always self-explanatory. So we thought we'd take you into the art historical word gallery to provide some definitions commonly used to describe artistic styles, techniques, or movements in art.

Workshop

Workshop of Leonard Limosin (French, 1505–1577). The Incredulity of Saint Thomas, ca. 1570. Enamel on copper. Mr. and Mrs. E. John Magnin gift. 75.18.85

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Will Work for Art: Chris Huson

Posted by Sarah Bailey Hogarty on September 2, 2011

"Will Work for Art" takes you behind the scenes to meet the people who make the Fine Arts Museums work. This week we meet Chris Huson, the Museums' courier, whose tireless trips between the two museums keep the staff in communication with each other and the outside world. Originally from Chicago, Chris has been with the Museums for thirty-two years!

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