Then after studying Michelangelo's work, I would return to study the modern religious art in the Vatican Museum. This art is located just prior to the Sistine Chapel.

We also saw many etchings, woodcuts, and lithographs from 20th Century artists such as Kathe Kollowitz and Max Pechstein. It was wonderful to see Kathe Kollowitz's woodcuts and lithographs. There is much more detail in an actual print than a slide or print reproduction. I could see slight deviations in the blackness of the ink due to the roller marks or the pressure of the printing press. The character of Kathe Kollowitz's marks are strength but when viewing the actual print, it is possible to see the delicate quality of those marks and lines. There was a wonderful series by Max Pechstein based on the prayer, Our Father. Since Erika was memorizing this prayer, it was an excellent opportunity for her to see how an artist in a series of woodcuts could interpret a section of scripture.

Also, there are many paintings by Matisse, Chagall, and Malevitch. There were many interesting paintings by Marc Chagall. I only wish that some of these paintings were displayed at the Kunstmuseum. Erika had an admittance pin that showed Chagall's name, so we made a game of looking for a Chagall painting. Unfortunately, there was only one painting. This museum has many Malevitch painting and there is an entire room devoted to Malevitch. It is very interesting to see his development as an artist and to see his progression to abstract art in a very short period of time.

Finally, there was a large exhibition space devoted to the Russian Constructionist painters. Some paintings by Malevitch (including "Red Square on a Black Background"), Lissitzky, Rodchenko, and Popova were displayed. Although the Russian Constructionist Movement was related to the Cub-Futurism Movement, it was fundamentally different because it was more concerned with the process of formation based on the materials and techniques rather than the spiritual aspects of the form. In this sense, many graphic designers in the 20th Century were influenced by this art.

Erika and I enjoyed playing a game called "How Type of Animal Do You See In This Painting?" It was very entertaining to her.

We visited this museum with an old friend from Philadelphia who studied at the same art school. Bob Phillips kept Erika entertained by asking her "Are you hungry yet?" whenever we entered a new room. She had a great time laughing and looking for pictures of cheese, bread, fruit, or even birds. Of course, it is easy to find still life paintings in the Rijksmuseum because of the great Dutch still life tradition. Before we left the museum, we stopped in the Museum Cafe for some ice cream for Erika, because she was hungry by the end of our visit.

Unfortunately, we were not able to see the modern religious art and we did not spent enough time in the Sistine Chapel. Perhaps next time, if there is a next time...

Another favorite painting was Michelangelo's painting of "The Holy Family". This painting shows some of the techniques that Michelangelo used in the Sistine Chapel - monumental figures, dramatic angles, accentuated muscles, and bright clashing colors. All these elements create a dramatic tension that lacks the grace of Leonardo and Botticelli. This dramatic tension is what makes the Sistine Chapel so great and easy to read even though the ceiling is so high.

Another favorite was Giambologna's Mercury. It is amazing to see how this sculpture could stand on a single toe - how can the sculpture be balanced? But there is a solid line of balance that runs from the toes to the nose to the fingertip.

It is peaceful to contemplate the windows by sitting in one of the pews of the church. We sat there for a long time to enjoy the windows. Again, since the church is so dark, it takes a few moments for your eyes to adjust to the lighting. While we were looking at the windows, Erika and I discussed the meaning of some of the Old and New Testament stories.