Today's Lesson - Mona Lisa (Lisa Gherardini) - "La Gioconda"

The Art History class today focused attention on Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa and also included versions of the painting that were made by other artists.

Below you'll see another that now is believed to also be painted by Da Vinci (or possibly by one of his students). When found the background was solid black but new technology revealed a background which was exposed using chemicals and patience.

Main article: Isleworth Mona Lisa

A version of the Mona Lisa known as the Isleworth Mona Lisa and also known as the Earlier Mona Lisa was first bought by an English nobleman in 1778 and was rediscovered in 1913 by Hugh Blaker, an art connoisseur. The painting was presented to the media in 2012 by the Mona Lisa Foundation.

It is a painting of the same subject as Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa. The painting is claimed by a majority of experts to be mostly an original work of Leonardo dating from the early 16th century: a survey of all published opinions shows that 22 experts are certain that the major parts of the Isleworth Mona Lisa are the work of Leonardo da Vinci.

In 2015 and 2016, peer-reviewed academic publications concerning it confirmed its attribution to Leonardo da Vinci.

PORTLAND'S GRAND CENTRAL BAKERY

Living in Portland opens up the opportunity of making a choice from a huge variety of bakeries.  I tend to stick to the "basics" so that's why I've chosen "Grand Central Bakery" as my "go to" place for breads and pastries.  I shop at the bakery on Hawthorne Blvd., so at least twice a week you'll see me early in the morning "sleep driving" to the bakery for multi-grain breads, a Piccalo, and at least one quiche and a couple of pastries.  They know me so the bread is sliced before I even get to the counter.  Grand Central has several locations so check them out when you're in Portland.

American Plaza, Portland, Downtown Condo For Sale

Are you looking for a new home in Portland?  If so, you must see the beautiful units currently for sale in one of the three towers on the property.  Built between 1970 and 1980, the construction is solid with amenities that are rarely found in newer buildings. There are two lounges for private parties, two pools (one, indoor, and one outdoor), two fully equipped exercise facilities, underground parking garage, ample outdoor guest parking and a concierge.  The buildings are close to the Willamette River, Portland State University and the MAX transit is right outside the door.  

Currently, units priced between $350,00 and $1,195,000 are for sale.

Check them out at:

www.americanplazatowers.com

or call Jan Huffstutter at (503) 515-3344.

A STAR IS BORN AND LUNCH AT PORTLAND'S JAKE'S CRAWFISH

What better way to spend a rainy day in Portland than to go see the new release of "A STAR IS BORN" followed with lunch down the street at Jake's Crawfish Restaurant.

Then....... to make the day even better, I stopped at Whole Foods for some artisan cheese and salami for a "snack dinner" tonight.

The final pleasure was a short shopping trip to Powel's Book Store.

To make this day even easier, I took MAX to within a four blocks walk to the theater and took the Portland Streetcar home.  Living in downtown Portland is pure JOY ..........

The movie is entertaining - great acting, great music and great story.

FALL PORTLAND'S FARMERS MARKET

This lovely tree is on the Portland State University campus and it gets more beautiful each year.  Today I enjoyed a walk to the Saturday Farmer's Market on the park blocks and I want to share the beauty of fall colors.

The market is much different in the fall and winter - it's more basic and it features only fruits and vegetables that are in season.  Also offered is fresh caught fish and salmon that is fished by the local Native Americans.  I was surprised to see strawberries and blueberries still for sale but the most prolific items were tomatoes, corn, squash, pumpkins and apples. 

We're enjoying perfect fall weather with temperatures in the mid to high 60s and an occasional shower so trees are dropping leaves and the ambiance of downtown has slowed to a more gentle pace.  

Roger and I LOVE fall weather in Portland!  Timberline is already getting dustings of snow so we're ready to embrace cooler weather, fireplaces, and comfort food..............

The golden walkway is on our condo property.  I have lovely memories of walking Bella through the leaves that she loved because she could kick them and they made a rustling noise.  Our sweet little girl is so very much missed but happy memories continue.........

 

Fall Term at Portland State University

Yes, it's school time again.  I just enrolled in my 16th term and now I'm studying "Art of the Italian Renaissance, c. 1490-1580"

The Professor is Jesse Locker.  We started with an in-depth view of Leonardo da Vinci, and now we're studying the art of Michelangelo.

It's a wonderful opportunity to look back Into my memories of trips to Rome and Florence and the exciting times when we were able to view these amazing works of art.  

For those who live in or near Portland, Oregon, and over 65 years of age - please consider attending classes at the university.  You'll soon discover the joy of lifetime learning and it's also a wonderful way to relive memories of your world travels.  No tuition - No exams - PURE JOY!