El Greco to Velazquez

Into town via the MBTA yesterday to see the MFA's exhibit of Art During the Reign of Philip III. Hot summer day in the city. The first painting was El Greco's View of Toledo, and what a stunning painting it was, and so impressionistic--almost abstract. El Greco and Velazquez dominated the show, although there were a number of painters from their period. The portraits were stunning, the religious art made me feel like I'd been to church and the landscapes were various. Some of the most provacative portraits were the little tykes, practically infants, gussied up in the big collars and gold threaded suits, looking so regal and serious. One wonders how they sat still and didn't look like pouting thunderclouds. The still lifes of fruit, veggies, desserts and game in the last room were magical. Made us hungry, and we went downstairs to the cafe where they had a Spanish (mostly) menu.

If you are in the Boston area before July 27th, this is an old masters show worth seeing. The history, how Philipp II (puritanical and straight laced) and Philip II( more of a Renaissance guy) was instructive, and one could see the difference in the painting. Great portraits of Theresa of Avila and Loyola. There is a reason they are called old masters.

http://www.mfa.org/

In the sunny, light-filled cafe, we ate serrano ham with aged goat cheese, asparagus, grilled eggplant and sun dried tomato relish served with country bread. And Sangria. Yum. Delicious, and the potato tortilla and the gazpacho looked good too.

Tonight we are having some special baby back ribs with a rub and an apricot-ancho chile glaze. Lots of seasonings involved. I am doing Penzeys spices and the Apriocot King proud. Corn on the cob and store-bought cole slaw because it is 95 degrees out today and who wants to cook anymore than necessary?

I will start the new book (no title) tonight or tomorrow. It is really talking to me. Who'd a thunk it?

Grrrrapeshot