Here is another spot I missed on my previous visits to Savannah. What a wonderful collection of impressionist’s paintings, sculpture, and scenes of Savannah. The Museum’s benefactor was Mary Telfair, (1791-1875), pictured below, is known to be the first woman to bequeath a museum. She donated her home and art to create an Academy of Arts and Sciences. Classes are still given at the Museum.
The Collections
There is an interesting exhibit of Bonaventure Cemetery at the Museum. This is where Mary is buried separate from her family due to “rifts.” Mary was born in Georgia to a wealthy family, and never married. She was well read, and in her philanthropy donated to varied causes.
Statute From Bonaventure Cemetery
While this statute is often interpreted as the child weighing good and evil made popular in the named book, The Garden of Good and Evil, the child is merely offering food and water to the birds.
The Sculptures
Sorry lost my notes on these sculptures and paintings, however, simply enjoy them anonymously!
The Impressionists
The Armor
What artistry on these military costumes..
Neck Covers -how ornate
Headgear
Wouldn’t want to butt heads with a soldier wearing this..
Another Sculpture Display..
Richmond Barthe Exhibit – what exquisite works from this man born in Bay St Louis, MS. (1901-1989). He lived and worked throughout the world and is known for his artistic work portraying diversity and spirituality. As a gay black man during this era he faced many obstacles, however, his work is acclaimed and transcends all obstacles. In his later years he returned to America living in Pasadena, California, continuing his work with the assistance of close friends from the arts.