There is a late second century Roman marble throne, carved with wings and scrolls, set in the Courtyard of the Isabella Stewart Gardner’s Museum in Boston. I imagine, as Mrs. Gardner meticulously and strategically curated her collection, the view from this royal, reflective spot was key.

My research and writing has to do with working to gain her perspective, I can do nothing better than to start at this place. Every single time I come to the ISGM, I start here, sitting behind the only seat in the The Court. Surrounded by the the lush plantings (Cymbidium orchids in this season), with the sound of the fountain to the left, by Mrs. Gardner’s decree that nothing would change, I see the same art in the same arrangement.

I hope you will join me here as I share what I am discovering, observing, and thinking about. I visit the Gardner on most Fridays – please read along as I post each week and let me know when you’d like to come along to experience this amazing place!