The Clark--- Mixed Experience

I just saw the exhibits in Williamstown, Mass at the big deal museum.

Short of it---old is great, new is not. Here's the reoprt card:

Parking, signage and access D-

Picasso and Degas C-

Permanent Collection A+

Original Facility A+

New Wing D-

Volunteers A

Gift Shop B

The featured exhibit, Picasso and Degas, is advertised in most New England and art periodicals. High expectations lead to a small 5 room exhibit, 1/3 on floor one and the remainder on floor three. Honestly. The best of the exhibit is owned by the Met and the Clark. Not enough depth for the intent of compare/contrast.

In between is John Constable in the other room on floor one. You can't make this up!

At the other end of the spectrum, the Permanent Collection is staggering--every Impressionist you can think of, strong broad European examples, 9 centuries of medieval to modern religious paintings, George Washington by Stuart Gilbert, and silver, sculpture, ceramics--

 all exqusitely lighted, hung and presented in an easy to navigate layout in a great natural setting.

Worth the trip. But not for the hype.

Guess who?

Rembrandt, Constable, and Balzac in marble--new acqusition