When I grow to love someone’s art, I become curious about their inspiration, habits, equipment and their studio. I cannot tell you how moved I was to be standing in the actual apartment where Beethoven lived — several times during the span of 1804-1815 — in Vienna. Heap upon that the fact that his pen and ink well, death mask and a significant portrait of him — one I’ve seen many times in the literature — was there
and (be still my heart!) one of the fortepianos he owned, this one built by Johann Andreas Streicher.
Can we talk about coveting equipment? In this room, with this incredible instrument, Beethoven composed Symphonies #4, #5 and #6, Leonore Overture #3, his only opera, Fidelio, Piano Concerto #4 and much more! Recalling that experience still brings goosebumps to my skin and a lump in my throat.
I recently shared a guided tour of my studio with Postmark’d Art. If you’d like to take a peek, click on over here. To set the record straight, I am not comparing myself to Beethoven, just citing him as one of my personal examples.
Which artist do you admire? Wouldn’t you like to see his/her studio?
I don’t know that I’ve ever actually thought about it, but it would have to be Monet’s garden, house, and studio. The first time I saw an original – 1993, Boston Museum of Fine Art, Poppy field – I sat entranced for at least 20 minutes. wow. The how and where would definitely be of interest!
I know just how you felt. A trip to France should be on your to-do list.