Saint Louis Art Museum Unveils Renovated Early European Galleries

Thursday, 31 August 2006 10:22

St. Louis, MO - The Saint Louis Art Museum's Early European galleries reopen September 15 following a complete reinstallation.  In addition to dramatic changes in design, the new galleries feature works of art that have not been on view at the Museum for decades, including the early Spanish sculpture Blessing Christ, dating from the late 13th or early 14th century.  Grigg Gallery, the largest gallery devoted to Early European art, is now solely dedicated to portraits from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries.

Organized by Judith Mann, curator of Early European art at the Saint Louis Art Museum, the new layout presents works of art from the medieval period through the 18th century in a way that better explains how the works relate to their respective periods, original locations, and original functions.

"The galleries are designed to emphasize context, which helps visitors learn how works from similar periods and regions connect," said Mann.  "Several galleries also feature a blend of painting, sculpture, and decorative art, further illustrating the stylistic relationships between the objects."

Numerous works in the Early European collection underwent extensive conservation in preparation for this reinstallation.  Conservators at the Museum completed much of the work, but a few objects required special care from institutions such as the Cloisters Museum in New York, where conservators were better equipped to deal with unique challenges.

This reinstallation was generously supported by a grant from the Samuel H.Kress Foundation.  The Early European galleries are located on the main level of the Museum.

The Saint Louis Art Museum is one of the nation's leading comprehensive art museums with collections that include works of art of exceptional quality from virtually every culture and time period.  Areas of notable depth include Oceanic art, pre-Columbian art, ancient Chinese bronzes and European and American art of the late 19th and 20th centuries, with particular strengths in 20th century German art.  The Museum offers a full range of exhibitions and educational programming generated independently and in collaboration with local, national and international partners.

Visit : www.slam.org