As the first light of dawn touches the walls of art museums worldwide, a sense of anticipation fills the air. Within the hallowed halls, dedicated security guards stand watch over masterpieces of creativity, from paintings to sculptures, with unwavering vigilance and reverence.
These guards, stationed throughout the galleries, develop a unique bond with the artwork they protect. Spending hours in silent contemplation, they delve into the intricate details and profound emotions evoked by each piece. Often, their personal favorites are not the most famous works but those that resonate deeply within their souls.
We reached out to five guards from five prestigious museums to reveal their cherished pieces and the reasons behind their profound connection. These overlooked gems carry special significance for the guards, and perhaps for you as well.
New York
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
| Guard | Favorite Piece | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Emilie Lemakis | Seated Figure | I’ve worked at the Met for 29 years; I’ve never even applied for any other job. So I’ve been looking at the African sculpture “Seated Figure” for many, many years. He’s from the 13th century, he’s very powerful and poetic, and on his back he has these markings; it looks like he’s been through affliction. He sort of speaks to me, saying, “What I have endured, I have survived; the pain is behind me and now it decorates me.” He’s so ancient and he survived, even just being here in the museum. |
