Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART
The collections at this immense gallery rival those of any art museum in the
world, displaying milestones of western art from the Middle Ages through to
the 20th century and including Italian Renaissance works, Dutch Masters,
French Impressionists, and all ages of American art. John Russell Pope de-
signed the harmonious Neo-Classical West Building in 1941. Renovation
work to the interior of the East Building starts in early 2014; the atrium will
remain open during the project.
3rd-7th Sts at Constitution Avenue NW •
202 737 4215 •
www.nga.gov
• Open 10am-5pm Mon-Sat, 11am-6pm Sun;
closed Dec 25, Jan 1 • Free • Dis. access
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1. GINEVRA DE' BENCI
The careful modeling of lustrous flesh against juniper foliage make this Leonardo da
Vinci canvas of 1474, his only one in the US, a lively but composed work.
2. THE ADORATION OF THE MAGI
This festive view of the Magi at Christ's birthplace was painted in tempura on a circu-
lar panel by Fra Angelico and Filippo Lippi in about 1445.
View photo
3. GIRL WITH THE RED HAT
This 1665 portrait shows off Johannes Vermeer's striking use of color: yellow high-
lights in the blue robe, purple under the hat, turquoise in the eyes. The luminosity is
enhanced by the smooth panel base.
View photo
4. THE ALBA MADONNA
Unusually, the Madonna in Raphael's 1510 work is shown seated on the ground.
The composition is serene, but it shows Christ accepting the cross from St John the
Baptist, a precursor of events to come.
