we were thrilled to learn of a unique opportunity to see some of Sandro Botticelli’s works being shown for the first time in the U.S. and not all that far from us at The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia…
after visiting Williamsburg a couple of years ago to celebrate my birthday we had imagined making a return visit in springtime so we made a long weekend of it…
this is the largest and most important display of Botticelli’s works in the United States featuring 24 paintings from international lenders…
on 15 April the exhibition will open in Boston, Massachusetts which is the only other opportunity to see these paintings together in the US…
we were delighted that photography was allowed (excluding professional photography or use of a flash) although it was impossible for a photo to do justice to the exquisite details…
the first night in Williamsburg we ate out under the stars with the full moon shining down on us…
the temps dipped down each day after that so it’s good we chose that first night to eat al fresco…
we took the Traveling Tea Cup along so there will be more to share at another time…
here’s wishing you a Happy T Day along with everyone over at Elizabeth’s Altered Book Lover
Magpie's Nest ~*~ Patty Szymkowicz 
Lucky you….an exhibition not to be missed. That teacup sure gets around!
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Glad you had such a great weekend away, and how wonderful to see the Boticelli exhibition, thanks for sharing the photos. Happy T Day dear Patty, Alles Liebe, Valerie
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Wow Patty what a wonderful exhibition it must have been.
To see all the painting up close would be amazing.
It sounds like you had a super weekend away. The photos you shared all look fantastic.
Happy T day.
Yvonne xx
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Wow, what a wonderful exhibition, I love Botticelli! he paints with so much detail and sensitivity. From your fabulous photos I notice you must have got to see the “Madonna of the Book” – amazing! It looks like you had a lovely few days away with your mister, so romantic to be eating al fresco under that full moon 🙂 . It’s nice to see your travelling teacup out and about again, the drummers are perfect when you consider the name of the Inn! Those camellia blooms are so very pretty and from the photos it must have been a fragrant variety, I bet it smelt so sweet. It’s lovely to see you this Tuesday, thanks so much for sharing Botticelli 🙂 . Wishing you a very Happy T Day! J 🙂
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How very fortunate you are to have seen the art works of this master close up. I am filled with envy and love the photo’s. xoxoxo
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oh my where to start… Botticelli- what a special exhibit to see in person! I can only imagine -and i know it would have brought tears to my eyes. So happy they allowed photos which I have never come across in my experiences. Lucky us. Good for you to seize the weather opportunity for a dinner under the stars and moon-magical! MMM, I can just about capture the scent of those lovely camellias. And on an added note to that I just saw a new stamp release of-camellias and just keep looking at them-do I need them-no-but now I have a sign:):) Welcome home again after another magical time and happy T day!
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What a fantastic weekend get away. I have never been to Williamsberg and it looks like its a beautiful place.That moon-what a great photos. And what a fantastic art exhibit to see.Wow- Its like visiting Italy and spending some time in Florence (as well as some other cities too). I’m glad you mentioned it was coming to Boston-I am putting that on my calendar. Can’t wait to see the rest of your trip photos. 🙂 Hugs-Erika
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What wonderful photos you got of the Botticelli collection. I’ve always loved Botticelli and to be able to see these in person, rather than on pages in an art book would be incredible.
Your meal under the stars looks great, and I would gladly share your drink.
So glad you brought the traveling tea cup and will be watching for more photos from Williamsburg and the rest of your trip over that magic weekend.
Thanks for sharing these awesome Botticelli photos, your nighttime meal and drink, and your traveling teacup with us for T this week. I’ve missed you.
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an incredible Exhibition for sure! what luck to see all These masterpieces together. i also like it when i´m allowed to take photos – of course they never do the works any justice, but it is just a reminder. i really enjoyed the collages you made of them!
the other pics also are so beautiful! good you had a great time in williamsburg.
have a good week and happy t-day!
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Wonderful to be able to see such artwork and thank you for sharing the photographs
Happy T Day
Love Chrissie xx
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What a wonderful weekend you had seeing that amazing artwork – thanks for sharing your wonderful photos Patty 🙂
Have a lovely day,,Gill x
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Thanks for sharing the photos of the wonderful Boticelli exhibition! Years ago I tried to paint his Venus (only this part) with Acrylics, now it is hanging in my bedroom. There is much to learn from those great masters!
Happy T Day!
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So wonderful that you could see Botticelli’s amazing Art from near. It must be an impressive event for every painter to study this very old Art.
Your moonlight dinner looks nice and I am sure you enjoyed it much.
Wonderful photos my Dear, especially the camellia photos are great. The petals have an intersting texture. In my garden are three camellias and I hope they will bloom this year and a late frost will not kill them like last year.
Happy Tuesday
Hugs
Sabine
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Oh Patty, I would be in such heaven at that exhibit. I have always loved Botticelli’s work and to see it so very close, to photograph it — biggest sigh. All that plus Williamsburg dining out, all the wonderful things of your trip. It all makes me smile.
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Lucky you! And lucky us because they let you take photos to share with us 😉 What a wonderful exhibit! Glad you had such a fun weekend to remember.
Happy T-Day, Patty! Hugs, Eileen
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What a treat that it came so close to you. That’s an exhibit I’d dearly love to see, and I appreciate your photos to give me a taste of the exhibition 🙂 Happy T Tuesday!
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Its so nice to take a trip isn’t it?? Just get out of dodge for a weekend… haven’t done that in a very long time.. and to get hubby to go to a museum would be quite a feat..lol Love seeing all the photos you shared. The artwork is amazing!
Pssst…. It was nice to hear that you like snow too… i don’t hear that often..as you can imagine.. 🙂 Happy happy T day! Hugs! deb
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Good morning Patty thank you for taking us along to the exhibit-what an awesome opportunity
way back in the early 60s when I was a kid living at home one of the family trips was to Williamsburg and also to the college-such a historic area to visity.
Happy T Day
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Oh what a wonderful post today liebe Patty! This reminds me of a wonderful trip I had to Florence as a very young woman and I so enjoyed Botticelli’s art there! WIll never forget this!
Lucky Patty that you could see this brilliant exhibiton! WOW!
Wishing you a good rest of the week and a happy T-Day my friend!
oxo Susi
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Hello again, Patty. The exhibition looks well worth visiting, how nice to have this kind of excuse for an away weekend. I’m sure The Travelling Teacup enjoyed the trip too.
Williamsburg sounds and looks like a fantasy place, somewhere in another world from here.
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wow, Botticelli in the US?! hmmm. wonder if I can schedule a road trip? really amazed that they allowed photos…love your photos as always, gorgeous camellia! happy T day!
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My dear Patty, such a very special, trip, to see these fabulous Botticelli paintings, in real. They are holding so many feelings, of love,- his women are so very beautiful. You must have been holding your breaths, seeing them. Your camellia flowers looks so special, I never saw such texture on the leaves, and the dinner out in the moon shine is so lovely too, a trip to treasure always. Hugs from me. Xx
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What an amazing exhibit to get to see….I’m a little green with envy at the moment. I love the work of the Old Masters.
Your dinner, under the starts, must have been wonderful.
Happy T-day
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Oh wow Patty – I am transported back to Florence with this post! I remember the thrill of calling in to Ognissanti church not knowing that we would see Botticelli’s portrait of St Augustine – we were headed to the river and couldn’t resist calling in to our first Florentine church – so unassuming from the outside!! This exhibition seem to have a real treasure of a collection and I am sure you were in your element! Love those moon shots and glad you got to eat outside! The camellia bush looks marvellous! Happy T day! Chrisx
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What an amazing group of paintings! They must have been so thrilling to see in person.
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I hope to be able to see that exhibit when it opens in Boston next month. Thanks for the sneak peek.
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Such a romantic post dear Patty!
How wonderful that you and Mr.Magpie take the time to enjoy life as you do!
I love scrolling through your posts and enjoying what you share with us,almost like I am there(well,not really,but one can imagine!)heehee
How fabulous that you were able to see Botticelli up close and personal! I can only wish! Where do most of these pieces hail from originally, did they say? Other museums or personal collections?
love to you xx
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So here I am doing a belated comment. We’ve been away for a few days for my birthday and the campsite did not have wifi or electricity (my laptop battery is knackered and I can use it only on mains power). We had a lovely few days with good weather. Thank you for the birthday wishes.
Wow! That must have been some exhibition! Lucky you. I have seen a few bits and pieces in Italy, but to have such a collection together in one exhibition is brilliant.
Have a great weekend,
Lisca
PS I love the camelia.
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I am a bit late in responding, too, as I was away this past week. What an exhibit! You and Mr. Magpie find the most interesting things to do and places to go! And, I am so glad you share them with us so that I can travel vicariously with you!
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