"European collections of The Metropolitan Museum of Art now radiating in their full brightness"
In the heart of New York City, the Metropolitan Museum of Art has undergone a significant transformation. The European Painting galleries, after a five-year renovation, have reopened their doors to the public, offering an immersive experience that emphasizes inclusivity and diversity.
Visitors are now encouraged to choose their own journey through the galleries, with no traditional beginning or ending. The exhibit invites exploration and discovery, allowing art enthusiasts to follow their interests and curiosities.
One of the key changes in the renovated galleries is the arrangement of the art pieces. Instead of being grouped by their regional origins, the pieces are now presented in a chronological pathway, starting from the late Middle Ages and ending in the early Industrial Era. This new approach provides a more coherent narrative, helping viewers to understand the evolution of European art over the centuries.
The exhibit also highlights the contributions of female artists who were previously absent from the museum's collection. Works by Elisabeth Louise Vigeé Le Brun, Marie Victoire Lemaine, Anna Valayer-Coster, Orsola Maddalena Caccia, and others are now prominently displayed, challenging traditional male-centric perspectives and offering a more balanced view of art history.
The exhibit also celebrates LGBTQ+ figures and relationships within the art world. Artists like Madeleine-Jeanne Lemaire, Romaine Brooks, and Tamara de Lempicka are showcased, not just for their art, but for their influential social positions in queer circles. This representation breaks from past traditions that often marginalized or stereotyped these identities.
The renovated galleries also feature a general expansion and accessibility, with new public programming spaces, expanded displays of collections, and integration of multimedia or lecture spaces. These additions aim to engage diverse audiences and foster a more inclusive museum experience.
The exhibit includes a variety of art pieces, from still-life paintings that symbolize lavish excess and gentility, to depictions of the Madonna and Child that evolve throughout the exhibit, from angular and lacking dimension to life-like and detailed. There are also striking depictions of North African commanders, such as Lucas Cranach the Elder's work, and extraordinary paintings of black and brown figures, like William Wood's portrayal of Joanna de Silva.
A highlight of the exhibit is the inclusion of works by Vermeer, such as The Maid, which were not present at the retrospective due to their fragility. The exhibit's color scheme also shifts from light to dark, with the end featuring deep reds and bottomless blues.
The renovation included several improvements to the physical space, such as replacing 30,000 feet of skylights, widening the rooms, installing a new air conditioning system, and repainting the walls. The shade of the gallery walls also changes as the themes of the exhibit evolve.
Stephan Wolohojian, the head curator, stated that there is real order in the arrangement of the art pieces, despite the lack of strict chronological ordering. This thoughtful reinstallation aims to provide a fresh and inclusive perspective on European art history.
As of January 2024, the renovated European Painting galleries at the Metropolitan Museum of Art are open to the public, inviting visitors to experience the new era of inclusivity and diversity in art history.
The news about the renovated European Painting galleries at the Metropolitan Museum of Art spotlights the museum's editorial shift towards inclusivity and diversity. The exhibit offers a lifestyle experience, encouraging visitors to select their unique journey through the galleries. A noteworthy feature in the renovated galleries is the home-and-garden like setting of the art pieces, arranged chronologically for a coherent narrative that delves into art history. Moreover, the exhibit throws a spotlight on underrepresented female artists and LGBTQ+ figures in European history, making a significant break from the traditional male-centric perspectives.
