Return to Manhattan

TULIPS AND MANHATTANS

After our abbreviated visit in December, we’re back in Manhattan for several weeks.  Being here this time of year is a tradition, and we always anticipate the colorful tulips along Park Avenue, in Jefferson Garden, and in small beds encircling sidewalk trees.  Despite cold and extremely windy weather, there were tulips in bloom, and even some that hadn’t yet been blown apart.  And we spied some bright daffodils. It felt more like brisk March than almost May, making me very grateful for my down jacket and several layers of fleece.

Our first night’s dinner is always at Sel et Poivre, a cozy French restaurant on Lexington.  The Chief Penguin orders his favorite Manhattan (we are in Manhattan after all) and I a glass of Chardonnay.  The prix fixe menu is still a good deal, and he went for the green bean salad, roast chicken, and, of course, profiteroles.  This time I opted for simplicity with the chicken paillard accompanied by dressed greens and fries.  Then I tacked on a scoop of raspberry sorbet with chocolate sauce!  This was the perfect ending to a trip that began in 80+ Sarasota and ended in chilly New York. 

HOLBEIN: AN ART LOLLIPOP

One of the several current exhibits at the Morgan Library is Holbein the Younger’s works and it’s appropriately called, Capturing Character.  Hans Holbein excelled at expressive portraits of noted figures of the day such as Erasmus.  He also painted merchants, members of the Hanseatic League, and other upper-class men and women.  Active in the early 1500’s, he also produced drawings for early books, images for jewelry, and rondels for society’s elite.  

Two of Holbein’s contemporaries are also included, Jan Gossaert and Quentin Metsys.  The real treat for me was seeing up close Holbein’s portrait of Sir Thomas More, previously viewed at the Frick Collection, but from a greater distance.  Here, one really appreciates Holbein’s depiction of facial expression and the rich colors of clothing and drapery.   

FASCINATING NOVEL: THE SHAPE OF DNA

Her Hidden Genius by Marie Benedict

Marie Benedict specializes in historical fiction about under-appreciated and overlooked talented women.  This latest novel, Her Hidden Genius, is a fascinating account of scientist Rosalind Franklin’s career.  She leaves her job studying the properties of coal in an English lab for a position in Paris. There she gains high praise and respect for her skill and aptitude in using X-ray crystallography to see patterns and shapes others don’t.  Her parents don’t fully understand or appreciate her chosen path of career instead of marriage and, partly due to their pressure, she returns to her native England.  

Suffice it to say that this British lab is very male and highly competitive. The work she now undertakes on the structure of DNA puts her in contention with Watson and Crick.  Benedict’s novel paints a picture not only of scientific rivalries, but also of the dismissive and discriminative treatment of women during the 1950’s.  Only years after her death did Dr. Franklin begin to get the recognition she deserved.  A good read!

Note: Photos by JWFarrington.