This winter the Legion of Honor is exhibiting a collection of pieces from the State Museums of Berlin in honor of the legacy of James Simon.
The exhibition was organized by the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco in collaboration with the National Museums of Berlin. It includes over 100 pieces from nine of the museums to which Simon donated. The works span all of history: from ancient carvings and Egyptian statues to medieval tondos and modern masterpieces. A highlight of the Ancient Near East room is the pair of large lion relief from Ishtar gate, which stood at the entrance to the city of Babylon in the sixth century BCE. Other notable pieces are the wooden bust of the Egyptian Queen Tiye, and original silk road manuscripts. In other rooms there are works by Mantenga, Renoir, and Kuniyoshi, the great Japanese wood block artist.
James Simon was a wealthy Jewish art collector, who donated generously to art establishment, often anonymously. He also sponsored many archeological excavations most notable the Amara site in Egypt.
One of the most famous pieces found there is the bust of Queen Nefertiti of the Amarna period in Egypt. Unfortunately the original remained in Berlin and a preproduction is on display at the Legion of Honor.
The exhibit, though not extensive in any area, is a great way to get a sense of art across the ages, with chronologically arranged room. There is little cohesion of the exhibit as a whole. It is also lacking thematic insight to accompany the pieces. However the gallery is spacious and elegantly arranged, providing the opportunity to appreciate each piece individually.
The Legion of Honor is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:15 to 5:15. It is easily accessible with public transportation. Take BART to Union Square; then the #38 Muni on Geary. Get off at 33rd and walk two blocks to Legion of Honor Dr.; the museum is at the top of the hill. Youth admission (17 and under) is $6 and $10 for adults; the exhibition surcharge is $10 for everyone. A $2 discount is available with a Muni transfer. The first Tuesday of every month is free, but only for the permanent collection.
