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Rather than read the other day, I decided to watch an art-related film. The movie was called “Goya’s Ghosts” and starred Natalie Portman, Javier Bardem, and Stellan Skarsgård. It was a disturbing, but great film. They do an excellent job at depicting the atmosphere in Spain during this time and the ways that Goya’s work was affected by politics, religion, and social circumstances (which were all incredibly volatile and corrupt). I have only very briefly studied Goya in my college art history classes and don’t remember much about his art other than how terrible and disturbing some of the images were. After watching the movie, I now understand what inspired and influenced his work.
It’s a GREAT film and is available to “watch instantly” on Netflix.
My newest book that I recommend everyone read is called “Thieves of Baghdad” by Matthew Bogdanos and William Patrick. I had an opportunity to see Colonel Bogdanos speak the other day about his efforts to return looted artwork to the Iraq Museum. Not only was he a captivating speaker, but the story he had to tell was unreal. I had not ever heard of his book, but immediately went out to purchase it after the lecture was over. The book is available on Amazon for cheap. Not only does it have details of their quest to restore this museum (and the priceless antiques that were stolen from it) but it has a couple incredible photos to go along with it.
I’ve always known that art and antiques hold a lot of value, but not in the sense that Colonel Bogdanos explained. Did you know that the illegal trafficking of antiques is just as prominent at the trafficking of illegal drugs and weapons? In fact, antiques usually accompany the exchange of drugs and weapons. Interesting stuff.
Happy reading!
