THE PHILADELPHIA JUNTO.: National Gallery of Ireland

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Friday, 6 September 2013

National Gallery of Ireland

15-MINUTE ICON

BY RICHARD CARRENO

[WRITERSCLEARINGHOUSE NEWS SERVICE]

DUBLIN

I was running late for a dinner with friends. Fortunately, the National Gallery of Ireland was not far from our appointed restaurant, the Saddle Room in the Shelburne Hotel on St. Stephan's Green. I gave myself, roughly, about a half hour for a quick 'drive-by' at the museum. I know. I know. Sacrilegious, but I did have that dinner date.

The receptionist looked kindly -- at least I hoped she'd be forgiving.

'If there's just time to enjoy one treasure in your collection, what would you recommend?'

Without hesitation the kindly lady said, 'To my mind, it would be The Taking of Christ by Caravaggio. Upstairs to the left.'

I was intrigued by the quick response. Check, Caravaggio, really Michelangelo Mersi of Caravaggio. Profligate lady's man. Even said to be a murderer. But the painting? Never heard of it.

The receptionist sensed my hesitation.

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Celebrating ....

Friday, 6 September 2013

National Gallery of Ireland