Chris and I often spend time in the Presidio on the weekends for brunch and exercise.. After a delicious brunch at The Tipsy Pig and touting a post-brunch glow, Chris and I recently found ourselves walking the grounds of The Palace of Fine Arts discussing the ever so casual topics of failed travel logistics, outrageous living expenses, and past career opportunities. What a way to begin a weekend! With each step through this historic symbol of perseverance the power of tenacity and steadfastness must have seeped into our beings because concluded our walk with overflowing gratitude for what we have and a re-energized excitement to fill our freshly cleared travel slate.
After the 1906 earthquake, San Francisco was ready to show the world it had not been outdone, so it hosted the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition and commissioned the erection of The Palace of Fine Arts to house thousands of its exhibits.
The Rotunda and Garland Ladies, Palace Of Fine Arts
The original paneling in the Rotunda contained 8 painted murals by artist: Robert Reid . Each mural depicted golden symbols of California. I can imagine his beautiful paintings gazing down on awestruck visitors.
Chris and I had an interesting discussion about the symbolism behind the sculpted women who looks like they were crying into a tomb. It turns out that the original intent was for each of these sections to be large planter boxes! Each woman's tears we're a reminder of how sad life would be without art. Unfortunately the project ran out of funds before The Palace was completed and the boxes we're never established.
Even the scrolling clouds seem befitting of the Palace's architecture!
As melancholy as a life without art would be, so would a life without change, new discoveries, and the ability to roll with the punches. Whatever the near future brings, we're ready to not only embrace it but look forward to finding the silver lining.
