Rembrandt & Rain

We went to the Phoenix Art Museum to see paintings by Rembrandt and other Dutch artists. The still life paintings by the Dutch usually have morals hidden in them. A timepiece or skull would represent the brevity of life, and a pipe or glass of wine would warn against indulging in sinful pleasures. Families were held in such high esteem in the Netherlands, that family portraits were painted strictly for the family's ownership and use. If in later years, there were no more descendants to pass the painting on to, the portrait would be burned rather than sold to another person who was not related! This is why there are very few family portraits that have survived the years. Also, many times the family would be painted gathered around a piano, and seated with instruments, to portray family unity and harmony.

Upon leaving the art museum, Annick, Evvie, and Catrina found themselves caught by a bit of rain....