We went to the Members’ preview day at the National Gallery to see the new exhibition, now open (and free!), of portraits by Lorenzo Lotto. A fascinating curatorial talk, and a very engaging show which we enjoyed a great deal. Lotto is interestingly original, and there is real psychological depth to be found here. Definitely worth visiting.
I came away with a copy of the exhibition catalogue — and yes, in a house already overflowing with books, this is an indulgence (as didn’t go unremarked). But it is fascinating reading too. And I’m struck yet again how terrific so many art exhibition catalogues can be: works of art in their own right, beautifully produced, put together with enthusiasm and great learning, and (when we are used to academic book prices) too-temptingly inexpensive.
If only getting round London wasn’t such a depressing business …