CHADDS FORD, PA - In the 1880s, the term “American Renaissance” was generated to describe a new spirit in the arts that began with the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia and continued into the early 20^th century.  This broad movement sought to link the old world with the new and lift America out of provincialism.  While historical accuracy was valued, artists reinterpreted the past to fit contemporary themes. Architecture, arts and crafts, and literature demonstrated an eclectic mix of European Renaissance, medieval art, and Greek and Roman influences. Exhibition on view through 20 May, 2007.

The American Renaissance was among a number of ideological and aesthetic trends that influenced the illustrative work of Howard Pyle (1853-1911).  Believing that illustration was a springboard for painting and a means for cultivating public taste, Pyle created many classically inspired works for publication in the popular magazines of the day.

Howard Pyle and the American Renaissance, on view through May 20, 2007 at the Brandywine River Museum, provides a focused look at selected Howard Pyle works that demonstrate his use of history as dramatic, illustrative documentaries with inventive and symbolic intent.

Works on view include examples of ink illustrations for Pyle’s books, The Wonder Clock (1888) and The Story of King Arthur and His Knights (1903), noted for their rich visual detail, elegance of design, and imaginative use of pen technique. Also featured are illustrations for William Dean Howell’s Stops of Various Quills (1895); The Eclogues of Virgil (1904); paintings for Quo Vadis (1897); Renaissance Couple (1902), an oil on copper; A Dream of Young Summer (1901), a painting dedicated to Augustus Saint Gaudens; and Why Seek Ye the Living Among the Dead? (1905), inspired by Saint Gaudens’ figure of Victory for the Sherman Monument in Manhatten’s Grand Army Plaza.

Selected works by Pyle’s contemporaries, the important artists Edwin Austin Abbey, George Maynard, Will H. Low, Robert Frederick Blum, Francis Davis Millet, Augustus Saint-Gaudens, and Kenyon Cox are included because of their associations with Pyle and American illustration.

The Delaware Art Museum and the Brandywine River Museum have recently jointly purchased a major painting by Howard Pyle (1853-1911) titled, Richard de Bury Tutoring Young Edward III, an oil on canvas completed in 1903.  This important work is included in Howard Pyle and the American Renaissance.

Exhibiting American art in a 19th-century grist mill, the Brandywine River Museum is internationally known for its unparalleled collection of works by three generations of Wyeths and its fine collection of American illustration, still life and landscape painting.

Located on U.S. Route 1 in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, the Brandywine River Museum is open daily, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except Christmas Day.  Admission is $8 for adults; $5 for seniors ages 65 and over, students with I.D., and children; and free for children under six and Brandywine Conservancy members.  For more information, call 610-388-2700 or visit the museum’s website at www.brandywinemuseum.org.