Latest Articles
American Sculpture: Revolution to Rebellion
In 1976, as a celebration of the Bicentenary of the United States, the Whitney Museum of American Art presented an exhibition entitled Two Hundred Years of American Sculpture. The exhibition and accompanying catalogue focused on the origins and history of American sculpture from the political Revolution of 1776 to the artistic one of the late 20th century. The study incorporated the influences of native aboriginal art and folk art traditions on the development of an American art, while emphasizing the importance of both academic and modern artistic activity originating in Europe. The exhibition and catalogue created new academic as well as collecting interest in this area...
01 November, 2005
In the Footsteps of Hamilton-Collecting Classical Antiquities
It is probably true to say that in no other field of art has the role of the collector been more important for the preservation of culture. This is partly, maybe even mainly, due to the enormous time-spans involved. Economic and political disturbance, war, religious bigotry...
16 October, 2005
The Medicean Legacy and the Genius of Carlo Ginori
In 1534 the Medici became Dukes and subsequently Grand Dukes of Tuscany, a title that they held until 1737 when Gian Gastone, the last of the Medici Grand Dukes, died without an heir. Their political influence in Europe had been decreasing more and more over the years, but, despite their decadence, their fame and prestige as patrons of the arts endured...
12 June, 2005
Lacquer Painting on Bottger Stoneware: Three 'Walzenkruge' and the problem of attribution to Martin Schnell
"Lacquer is still a sort of curiosity which goes together well with porcelain; and they are so much in keeping with one another that one would be surprised to see a fine porcelain cabinet without encountering some of those precious pieces of lacquer". This remark made in the introduction to...
12 June, 2005
The Glory of Saxony: Meissen Porcelain in the British Museum
Saxony, was and is one of the richest regions in Europe. Its prosperity has historically been closely bound up with important mineral deposits and the mining industry. During the 18th century it experienced a flowering of both science and culture. The architecture of its chief city, Dresden, and the vibrancy of its Court under the Electors, who were also Kings of Poland, were remarkable and have left a rich legacy...
12 June, 2005