Beauty Is a Vacation: Exploring the Works of Wildlife Artist Carl Rungius

Carl Rungius (Germany, 1869–1959), “In the Clouds,” circa 1940. Oil on canvas. 30 inches by 40 inches. JKM Collection, National Museum of Wildlife Art. Copyright estate of Carl Rungius

Why are human beings attracted to beauty? However we explain the pull, beauty draws us. It engages the eyes, tantalizes the intellect, and elevates the spirit. It reminds us of the excellence of nature, life, and creation. The effulgence of creation points to a marvelous creator.

Beauty offers a respite from the tedious; it transports us beyond the ordinary to something sublime. Beauty is a vacation.

The Beauty of Beauty

When planning a vacation, people don’t generally favor ugly places. We daydream about escapes into loveliness. Sitting at a sushi bar recently, I enjoyed the “oohs” and “aahs” of my children as our meal was prettily prepared.