Day two, after a nice long breakfast at the hotel, we were ready for more exploring. First on the agenda, the first museum of the trip - Museo Nacional de Arte Antigua, the National Gallery of Portugal.
This is housed in a 17th-century palace, and was inaugurated already in 1884.
We walked through many several floors to see the vast collection of European art dating from the 14th to the 19th centuries, including the most complete collection of Portuguese works in the world.
Lots of objects that we have displayed similar ones in the Louvre Abu Dhabi, like Namban Screens for example. I love the sailor hanging by his feet in this illustration below!
This museum also has an extensive collection of Portuguese and Chinese ceramics, over 7500 pieces. It illustrated beautifully the international trade influences, which went both ways - Portuguese faïence that displays traces of Ming, and Chinese porcelain including Portuguese coats of arms.
Lots of beautiful art to enjoy. Quite a few artists that I recognised of course.
Like this portrait, by Elizabeth Vigée-Lebrun:
Here's a detail from The Temptations of St Anthony by Hieronymus Bosch. One of the great prides of the museum, and honestly a fascinating image of fear and fantasy! So many details, such strange motifs!
We took a little break in the museum garden before continuing on our adventures. Another day with absolutely stunning weather! We were a bit surprised, and had packed completely the wrong things. There was hardly no need for knits, puffers or jackets. Nathan ended up wearing just a t-shirt most of the week, and I kept taking the jacket off, putting it on, adding a sweater, removing it...
We took a little break in the museum garden before continuing on our adventures. Another day with absolutely stunning weather! We were a bit surprised, and had packed completely the wrong things. There was hardly no need for knits, puffers or jackets. Nathan ended up wearing just a t-shirt most of the week, and I kept taking the jacket off, putting it on, adding a sweater, removing it...
Next we went walking in the search for the end station of the famous Tram 28-line. I thought we had better luck getting a seat if we started at the end, rather than from the city center.
We went on a huge walk, up and down many hills, only to find that because of track work, the tram didn't go all the way to Prazeres at this time... Ah well!
So we then decided to take a coffee break and test out the famous Pastéis de Nata. Puff pastry filled with custard, mmm! (I had several this week, but the best ones were these freshly made and hot ones from this first place we went to! Om nom nom!
Then we were ready for part two of our day, which will follow in the next post!
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