Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House

Today is Monday and entry into the Courtauld Gallery is free. This was my first time to visit this intimate gallery that serves as part of the Courtauld Institute of Art and is used for teaching. Though the collection is much smaller than London's huge National Gallery, the collection here is just as impressive. Works by names such as Van Gogh, Rubens, Manet, Monet, Degas, Goya and Cezanne dot the gallery's private collections. Those interested in Old Masters, Impressionist and post-impressionist works will be enthralled at viewing each in person. Although not extravagant, the design of each room and the elegant spiral staircase provides a complement to views of the courtyard outside.

The painting above is Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear (1889) which Vincent Van Gogh (1853-90) painted after cutting a piece of his right ear.

Entrance is along the tunnel to the courtyard of Somerset House. Hours are daily 10am-6pm. Admission is £5; free on Mondays until 2pm. Tube: Covent Garden or Temple. More info at courtauld.ac.uk. Click here for a previous post about Somerset House which houses the gallery.

Spiral staircase leads to each gallery on different levels.

Detail of gallery ceiling.

Detail of tunnel leading to gallery entrance and Somerset House courtyard.

Corner detail of gallery room.