"The Maverick's Museum," reviewed in the Wall Street Journal, tells the captivating, if sometimes frustrating, story of Albert Barnes and his unique art collection. Author Henrietta McBurney paints a portrait of a complicated man, driven by both egalitarian ideals and a fiercely independent spirit, which led to both the groundbreaking educational program at his Barnes Foundation and his infamous battles against the Philadelphia art establishment. The book delves into Barnes' unconventional methods, from his focus on aesthetic experience over artistic pedigree to his embrace of African sculpture and Pennsylvania German furniture alongside masterpieces by Renoir and Cézanne. While acknowledging Barnes' flaws and dictatorial tendencies, McBurney ultimately celebrates his visionary approach to collecting and his enduring legacy.
In 1962, Roald Dahl's daughter Olivia died from measles encephalitis at age seven. Devastated, Dahl initially retreated into grief and questioned his faith. With the encouragement of a family friend, he eventually found solace by immersing himself in the creation of a measles vaccination campaign, advocating for its importance and helping fund research. While never fully recovering from the loss, Dahl channeled his grief into a positive action, hoping to prevent other families from experiencing similar tragedy.
Hacker News users discuss Roald Dahl's reaction to the death of his daughter Olivia, with many focusing on his stoicism and attempt to find reason amidst grief. Some commenters find his eventual embrace of pseudoscience, specifically faith healing, understandable given the tragedy, while others criticize it as a dangerous path. The piece's portrayal of Dahl's complex grief resonated with several readers who shared personal experiences of loss and the different ways people cope. A few commenters also note Dahl's difficult personality, both before and after Olivia's death, questioning the simplicity of portraying him solely as a grieving father. Several users mention the irony of his later anti-vaccine stance, given that measles took his daughter's life, sparking discussion on the complexities of grief and its impact on decision-making.
Ebenezer Clifford, a 19th-century planemaker in Maine, supplemented his income by diving for shipwrecks. He used a diving suit of his own design, featuring a helmet with a glass faceplate and a flexible hose supplying air from the surface. Clifford’s diving exploits, recovering items like anchors and cannons, were well-known locally. He apparently applied his ingenuity to both planemaking and diving, showcasing a remarkable combination of craftsmanship and adventurous spirit.
Hacker News users discussed the intriguing story of Ebenezer Clifford, a planemaker and diving bell inventor. Several commenters focused on the ingenuity of Clifford's diving bell design, particularly its use of a weighted bellows system for air replenishment. Some debated the historical accuracy of attributing the invention solely to Clifford, pointing to earlier diving bell iterations. Others expressed fascination with Clifford's dual professions and the potential connection between woodworking precision and the technical demands of underwater exploration. A few users shared additional resources about early diving technology, highlighting the dangers and limitations of these pioneering devices. The overall sentiment was one of admiration for Clifford's ingenuity and the historical context of his inventions.
In 1943, Squadron Leader Douglas Bader, a double-amputee pilot, was shot down over German-occupied France during Operation Leg. The operation's unique aspect stemmed not from its military objectives, but from Bader's prosthetic legs. The Luftwaffe, respecting Bader's courage and skill, agreed to a British request to drop a replacement leg. This act of chivalry amid war became a testament to Bader's indomitable spirit and the odd moments of humanity that can emerge even in conflict. The replacement leg was ultimately delivered, though not without some near misses and a second, ultimately unnecessary drop.
Hacker News users discussed Douglas Bader's remarkable resilience and skill as a pilot despite his double amputation. Several commenters expressed admiration for his determination to fly again after losing both legs, highlighting the psychological and physical challenges he overcame. Some noted the crucial role of his wife, Thelma, in his recovery and return to flying. The discussion also touched on the advancements in prosthetic technology at the time and Bader's eventual contributions to disability advocacy. A few users shared additional resources, including Bader's autobiography, "Reach for the Sky," and a documentary about his life. One commenter poignantly reflected on the societal shift from viewing disability as a limitation to recognizing the potential for individuals with disabilities to achieve remarkable feats.
Hélène de Beauvoir, younger sister of Simone, was a talented painter whose career was often overshadowed by her famous sibling. Though she moved in the same intellectual circles as Jean-Paul Sartre and Picasso, who even painted her portrait, Hélène forged her own artistic path. This article highlights her skill as a portraitist, capturing the nuances of her subjects' personalities, and celebrates her independent spirit, which led her to choose a different, less conventional life than her sister's. Despite facing sexism within the art world and familial complexities, Hélène's dedication to painting and her unique artistic vision deserve recognition and rediscovery.
Several Hacker News commenters express surprise at not knowing about Hélène de Beauvoir, with some noting that Simone de Beauvoir's fame overshadowed her sister. A few discuss the common phenomenon of siblings of famous individuals being overlooked. One commenter questions the framing of Hélène as "forgotten," pointing out her successful art career and suggesting the article aims to capitalize on Simone's name. Others find the dynamic between the sisters fascinating, particularly Hélène's seemingly more traditional life choices compared to Simone's. There's also some discussion of the article's mention of a supposed romantic relationship between Hélène and Picasso.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43394698
Hacker News users discuss the eccentric Albert Barnes, his unique art collection, and the book reviewing his life. Several commenters express interest in seeing the Barnes Foundation, noting its unusual hanging style and Barnes's specific viewing instructions. Some discuss the tension between preserving an artist's vision and making art accessible to a wider audience, questioning whether Barnes's rigid approach was ultimately beneficial. The debate touches upon the democratization of art and the role of institutions in shaping public access. Others share anecdotes or further information about Barnes, revealing his complex personality and the legal battles surrounding his collection. The overall sentiment seems to be one of intrigue and a desire to learn more about Barnes and his unconventional approach to art collecting.
The Hacker News post titled "The Maverick's Museum' Review: Albert Barnes and the Art of Collecting" has generated a modest number of comments, primarily focusing on Albert Barnes' eccentric personality and the unique nature of his art collection.
One commenter highlights Barnes' complicated relationship with the established art world, suggesting his unconventional approach and disdain for traditional art criticism stemmed from insecurity and a desire to control the narrative around his collection. This perspective paints Barnes as a complex figure motivated by a mix of genuine passion for art and a need for validation.
Another comment emphasizes the educational philosophy behind the Barnes Foundation, noting how Barnes intended the collection to be used for teaching and learning rather than mere aesthetic appreciation. This commenter expresses disappointment that the foundation's move to Philadelphia compromised this original vision, suggesting it became more of a traditional museum catering to a broader audience.
The accessibility of the collection is also discussed. A commenter points out the irony of Barnes' desire to make art accessible to working-class people while simultaneously making it incredibly difficult for anyone to actually see it. This underscores the contradictory nature of Barnes' approach, further emphasizing his complex personality.
One commenter briefly mentions the documentary "The Art of the Steal," recommending it for further insight into the controversy surrounding the Barnes Foundation's relocation.
Finally, a comment focuses on the unique hanging style of the Barnes collection, mentioning the mix of paintings, furniture, and metalwork displayed together. This reinforces the unconventional and highly personal nature of Barnes' curatorial approach, which prioritized his own aesthetic sensibilities over traditional museum practices.
While the comments aren't extensive, they provide a glimpse into various aspects of Albert Barnes and his legacy, touching upon his personality, educational goals, and the controversies surrounding his collection. They don't delve deeply into any single aspect, but offer a starting point for further exploration.