I could have seen the pigeons, but, I wanted to see the art…Flying rats don’t do it for me, as it might do for the Pigeon Man and many a tourist, no offence.. But the National Gallery of London truly does hold some MAGNIFICANT work. It was pretty busy when we went, but not as bad as it could have been, as it was one of those rare times that the sun decides to show it’s face.
I was really struck by a few artists in particular.. Such as Paul Delaroche and his large paiting titled “ The Execution of Lady Jane Gray”(above). It was beautiful in terms of composition, technique and colours, but it is overall, a very ‘polite’ painting. I still found it captivating.
Also, a very unusual little oil painting by Louis-Léopold Boilly, called “A Girl at a Window”(also above). Painted in 1799..I find it unusual as the painting is in black and white. And for it’s style, I guess you would be used to seeing paintings of the like in colour. But it was amazing, the detail of the glass and the little objects on the windowsill were definitely a treat.
Degas’ “Miss la La at the Circus Fernando” was hanging there too. Books do no justice to this painting. My friend Nom had pointed out to me that it was one of her favourites, and I could definitely see why.

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