Museum

The museum trip last week really made an impression on me. I found it interesting to view artwork visually while mentally, critically working out a poem. The poem that specifically stood out to me was the one on the Rembrant painting and the old lady. For some reason I found this odd. Who wouldn't save the old lady? Is human life not always more important to art and posessions? Then I thought about it more. Do people not die for books? What about the Bible? Sure this can be seen in a different light because it is a book inspired by God but it elisits strong emotions. Can a painting get these same emotions from people?

In nations where books were burned to allow the current rainging regime to have more control over the citizens, did not people die to save literature then? Again, why is art different? This old lady will die no matter what. The painting could last forever if it is saved. So what is more important? I believe that this poem says that it is not for us to decide what is more important. It is beyond those of us who are young.

I would save the old woman. For it is my moral obligation to protect life even at the cost of a priceless object. However, would Rembrant save the old woman were he alive and in that situation? Would the old lady save herself?