Not Art 105

An “ensemble” at the Barnes Collection

We owe Dr. Albert Barnes several debts of gratitude. First, because he developed Argyrol, an antiseptic salve put into newborns’ eyes to prevent blindness. (Today’s version is Ilotycin and the same people who won’t vaccinate their kids rail against this practice.) Second, because Argyrol made Barnes ample money he was able to amass an extraordinary collection of Old Masters, Impressionist, post-Impressionist and modern paintings; Native American ceramics, jewelry and textiles, African masks, furniture, metalwork and a great deal more. Dr. Barnes displayed his collection in his personal, unorthodox style, grouping items to promote his approach to art education and appreciation.

Scouts Attached by Tiger Henri Rousseau

I saw the Barnes years ago at its original home in Lower Merion, PA. Like many, I was horrified when Barnes’ will (or trust–lawyers, help me here) was broken (see the movie The Art of the Steal), but have to admit the new Barnes in Center City, Philadelphia, with state-of-the- art climate control and top class conservation in play is terrific.

And then there’s art speak. One example is when the audio guide explains that a Cezanne of apples is “linked” to the religious painting below “possibly to recall Adam and Eve.” Well, maybe but I’m not convinced that M. Cezanne had the Garden of Eden in mind when he took up his brush to work on those apples. In another room, we’re told that a small table below the pictures “enlarges our connection with perspective.” I saw it as a small table holding small, pewter objects that had no connection at all with what was above.

Currently there’s an exhibit of two Cezanne works found during a cleaning of pictures Barnes owned. The works found on the reverse side of each  are now displayed so you can see both sides. This is a link to more about these pictures.

The Garden Restaurant at the Barnes is a charmer with widely spaced tables and smallish plates of delicious, stylish food. If you’ve never visited the Barnes (or even if you did in days gone by) go enjoy it in its new setting.

As Barnes’ wall groupings (which he called ensembles and constantly rearranged) items you might not ordinarily combine, here’s a recipe combining peanut butter and Sriracha (a hot sauce that originated in Thailand). I’d serve this at lunch as a new take on a sandwich.

Peanut butter
Slice of toast
Sliced scallion
Fresh cilantro leaves
Sriracha
Fresh lime juice
Flaky sea salt (such as Maldon)

Spread peanut butter on a slice of toast. Top with sliced scallion, fresh cilantro leaves, and Sriracha. Finish with lime juice and flaky sea salt. And voila!

No cooking required. Somehow I think Champagne would be a great accompaniment but even if your tipple is a coke, raise your glass to Dr. Barnes.