The Divine Art; Four Centuries of European Tapestries, November 1, 2008-January 4, 2008, Regenstein Hall
Chicago: The Art Institute of Chicago, 2008. Presumed First Edition, First printing. Pamphlet. Format is approximately 6 inches by 9.5 inches. 16 pages including covers, illustrations (many in color). Mailer from the Membership Department of the Institute on this exhibition laid in. It was mailed to Mr. Averil E. Schreiver. For the first time in the history of the Art Institute, nearly all of its unparalleled tapestry collection is featured in a spectacular presentation. After decades in storage, these monumental artworks were subject to one of the largest tapestry conservation projects ever undertaken by a private workshop. Freshly conserved to their full splendor, The Divine Art's 70 masterpieces, dazzling the eye beyond expectation, will only be on view for two months and then will return to storage. Although it is not known exactly when the first tapestry was produced in Europe, by the early Middle Ages, workshops throughout the continent were producing textile hangings, which were among the most prestigious objects owned by the well-to-do. When some unknown artist or weaver, probably in northwestern Europe in the middle of the 14th century, conceived the idea of representing stories in these weavings, as opposed to merely decorative patterns, tapestry embarked on its own glorious career in the figurative arts, rising to the level of wall painting and painting on wood or canvas. The Divine Art features masterpieces from the 15th through the 18th century that will cover entire walls of gallery space. Massive in scale and breathtaking in scope, these life-sized tapestries depict allegories, biblical and Christian themes, events from ancient history, and mythological scenes, as well as representations of everyday life and verdures. Included in the display are tapestries from England, Flanders, France, the Franco-Flemish region, Italy, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. A set of 14 tapestries comprises a cycle representing The Story of Caesar and Cleopatra. Often produced in multiple suites or chambers, many of the tapestries in this exhibition are connected to related pieces found in collections around the world. Having undergone an extensive conservation process at the laboratory of De Wit Royal Manufacturers in Mechelen, Belgium, the tapestries were examined by scholars who made extraordinary discoveries about the collection. The exhibition in the Art Institute of Chicago, and associated materials, marks a major contribution to tapestry scholarship. Condition: Very good / No dust jacket issued.
Keywords: Art, Textiles, Tapestries, Exhibitions, Weaving, Storytelling, Production, Design, Caesar and Cleopatra, Narrative Art, Structural Design, Color Design
[Book #85170]
Price: $25.00