Excavating Design: 18th-century Drawings and Prints from the Permanent Collection

 

This exhibition was on display from October 07, 2005 to January 08, 2006.

Some objects in this exhibition may not be viewable on the website due to copyright or other usage restrictions, or because there is no digitized image for the object.

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The exhibition showcases a selection of works from the museum’s extensive collection of 18th century European drawings and prints, featuring fantastical, unrealized architectural designs inspired by the artifacts of ancient Rome. Prompted by reports of archaeological findings, 18th century artists and writers traveled to Rome to see the excavated monuments, sculptures, and relics of the past and capture their majesty on paper. The works evoke 18th century Europe’s obsession with the grandeur of Rome and create a visual resource that can be appreciated both for its beauty and its relevance for scholars and designers today.

  • Box (England)
  • copper, brass, enamel.
  • Bequest of Katherine Strong Welman.
  • 1908-23-4
  •
  • Handle (France)
  • gilt bronze.
  • Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council.
  • 1909-25-15
  •
  • Mount (France)
  • stamped, cast, and chased gilt bronze.
  • Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council.
  • 1909-25-18
  •
  • Drawing, View of Church Interior
  • pen and brown and gray ink, brush and wash, watercolor, black chalk on paper,....
  • Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council.
  • 1911-28-444
  •
  • Drawing, Piazza del Popolo, Rome
  • pen and ink, brush and gray wash, charcoal on cream laid paper.
  • Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council.
  • 1911-28-448
  • Drawing, Ruin Fantasy
  • brush and black, gray wash, black chalk on cream laid paper.
  • Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council.
  • 1911-28-505
  •
  • Mount (probably Italy)
  • gilt and coppered bronze with pewter or lead surround.
  • Gift of Mary A. Peoli.
  • 1925-3-13
  •
  • Dish (Italy)
  • glazed porcelain, overglaze enameling and gilding.
  • Bequest of Erskine Hewitt.
  • 1938-57-446-a
  •
  • Drawing, Figures near a Ruined Colonnade
  • pen and black ink, brush and brown and gray wash, white gouache on off-white....
  • Gift of Mrs. Howard J. Sachs and Mr. Peter G. Sachs in memory of Miss Edith....
  • 1978-168-42
  •
  • Micro-mosaic Bracelet
  • gold sheet and wire, glass mosaics.
  • Gift of Frederick Saal in honor of Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Saal.
  • 1991-160-3
  •
  • Micro-mosaic Earrings
  • gold sheet and wire, glass mosaics.
  • Gift of Frederick Saal in honor of Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Saal.
  • 1991-160-4-a,b
  •
  • Micro-mosaic Earrings
  • gold sheet and wire, glass mosaics.
  • Gift of Frederick Saal in honor of Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Saal.
  • 1991-160-5-a,b
  •
  • Micro-mosaic Brooch
  • gold sheet and wire, glass mosaics.
  • Gift of Frederick Saal in honor of Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Saal.
  • 1991-160-6
  •
  • Micro-mosaic Brooch
  • gold sheet and wire, glass mosaics.
  • Gift of Frederick Saal in honor of Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Saal.
  • 1991-160-7
  •
  • Micro-mosaic Pendant
  • gold sheet and wire, glass mosaics.
  • Gift of Frederick Saal in honor of Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Saal.
  • 1991-160-8
  • Drawing, Entablature in the Classical Style
  • pen and black ink, blue, brown, and gray wash, slight traces of graphite on....
  • Museum purchase through gift of various donors and from Eleanor G. Hewitt Fund.
  • 1938-88-4601
  •