#delaware museum of art

[marejadilla]

Marie Spartali Stillman, (1844 - 1927), "Love's Messenger", detail, 1885. Watercolour, tempera and gold paint on paper. Uk artist. Delaware Museum of Art.

[arthistoryanimalia]

For #MetalMonday :

Deborah Butterfield (USA, b. 1949)

Riot, c. 1990

Steel, 81.5 × 120 × 34 in. (207 × 304.8 × 86.4 cm)

On display at Delaware Art Museum DAM 1991-126

“Deborah Butterfield used found objects - scraps of metal, including letters from discarded movie theater signs - in her sculpture, Riot. Butterfield's work drew its title from the letters she featured.”

[crimsonimpasto]

Marie Spartali Stillman, Love’s Messenger, 1885

[lionofchaeronea]

Holy Family, Elizabeth Siddal, ca. 1856

[galleryofart]

Romeo and Juliet

Artist: Ford Madox Brown (British, 1821–1893)

Title: Italiano: Romeo e Giulietta

Date: 1869-1870

Medium: Oil on Canvas

Collection: Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington

Description

The work of Shakespeare was particularly revered by the Pre-Raphaelites. In this painting, Brown captures the romantic and poignant moment in the early dawn on Juliet’s balcony, when Romeo parts from his love for what will be the final time.

The composition has the dramatic awkwardness which is often present in Brown’s work, but which serves to allow his subjects a sense of realistic immediacy. This is countered by the wealth of “Pre-Raphaelite” detail, including the apple blossoms, an example of the emphasis on a close observation of the natural world.

[lez-hard]

Howard Pyle - The Mermaid 1910 at Delaware Art Museum - Wilmington DE par mbell1975 Via Flickr : Howard Pyle - The Mermaid 1910 at Delaware Art Museum - Wilmington DE

[hyperallergic]

Asked what “Pre-Raphaelite” means, one may conjure an image of a beautiful woman with graceful hands, a long neck, masses of red or black wavy hair, and a languorous expression, usually dressed in a vaguely medieval costume. It’s a stereotype based largely on the paintings of Dante Gabriel Rossetti, who devoted much of his mature and late work to such “stunners” (in his words). 

Concurrent shows at the Delaware Art Museum highlight overlooked aspects of Pre-Raphaelite art and tread beyond typical gender hierarchies.

[paulpingminho]

[lamiarte]

[fatdaypants]

Delaware Art Museum, August 2024

[livelovedelaware]

Top Reasons to Spend Time in Art Galleries and Museums

Art galleries and museums are often overlooked as cultural destinations, but they offer enriching experiences that go beyond simple entertainment. Whether you're a seasoned art enthusiast, a history buff, or someone looking to explore something new, these institutions provide valuable opportunities to engage with culture, history, and creativity. Let's explore why spending time in art galleries and museums is worthwhile.

1. Cultural Enrichment and Education

One of the primary benefits of visiting art galleries and museums is the opportunity for cultural enrichment and education. These institutions house extensive collections of artwork, historical artifacts, and scientific specimens, providing a window into different cultures, periods, and disciplines. By exploring these collections, visitors can:

Learn About History: Museums often feature exhibits chronicling significant historical events, movements, and figures. This allows visitors to better understand the past and how it shapes the present.

Explore Different Art Forms: Art galleries showcase a diverse range of art forms, including sculptures, paintings, photography, and installations. This exposure helps visitors appreciate the various styles and techniques artists use worldwide.

Discover New Perspectives: Art and history can challenge preconceived notions and encourage critical thinking. Museums and galleries often present different viewpoints and interpretations, broadening visitors' horizons and fostering empathy.

2. Inspiration and Creativity

Museums and art galleries are treasure troves of inspiration and creativity. They offer a space for visitors to experience the creative expressions of artists and thinkers, which can ignite their creative sparks. Whether you're an artist, writer, or someone simply looking for fresh ideas, spending time in these institutions can:

Stimulate Imagination: Viewing different art forms and exhibits can stimulate the imagination, inspiring visitors to think outside the box and explore new ideas.

Encourage Self-Expression: Engaging with art can encourage self-expression by allowing individuals to explore their emotions, thoughts, and experiences. It can also provide new ways to articulate and communicate these ideas.

Foster Innovation: Many museums and galleries showcase cutting-edge art and technology, highlighting the intersection of creativity and innovation. This can inspire visitors to consider how art and technology can be integrated into their work or projects.

3. Mental and Emotional Well-Being

Spending time in art galleries and museums can positively impact mental and emotional well-being. These spaces offer a tranquil and contemplative environment, allowing visitors to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The benefits include:

Stress Relief: The calming atmosphere of galleries and museums can provide a sense of relaxation and relief from stress. Quietly observing art or historical artifacts can be a meditative experience.

Emotional Expression: Art can evoke emotions and connect with viewers personally. This emotional engagement can provide an outlet for processing feelings and experiences.

Cognitive Stimulation: Engaging with art and history can stimulate cognitive functions such as critical thinking, problem-solving and memory. It encourages visitors to analyze and interpret the information presented to them.

4. Social and Community Engagement

Art galleries and museums also serve as social hubs, offering community engagement and social interaction opportunities. They host various events, workshops, and exhibitions that unite people to celebrate culture and creativity. Visitors can:

Meet Like-Minded Individuals: Galleries and museums attract people with similar interests, making them ideal places to meet and connect with others who share a passion for art, history, or culture.

Support Local Artists and Cultural Institutions: Visitors to galleries and museums contribute to the support and sustainability of these cultural institutions. This, in turn, helps promote local artists and preserves cultural heritage.

5. Personal Growth and Development

Visiting an art gallery and museums in Delaware can be a great experience contributing to personal growth and development. It allows individuals to explore new interests, develop a deeper understanding of the world, and cultivate a lifelong appreciation for art and culture. Benefits include:

Expanding Knowledge: Exposure to different cultures, historical periods, and artistic styles can broaden one's knowledge and worldview.

Cultivating a Love for Art and Culture: Regular visits to galleries and museums can foster a lasting appreciation for the arts and cultural heritage, enriching one's life in meaningful ways.

Art galleries and museums are invaluable cultural institutions offering many experiences and benefits. From cultural enrichment and inspiration to mental well-being and social engagement, they provide a unique and multifaceted environment for exploration and discovery. 

Whether seeking tranquility, a burst of inspiration, or an opportunity to learn something new, spending time in art galleries and museums is a rewarding experience. So, the next time you're looking for a meaningful way to spend your day, consider visiting your local gallery or museum—you might leave with a new perspective and a deeper appreciation for the world around you.

[marejadilla]

Anthony Frederick Augustus Sandys, "Mary Magdalene" ca.1859, oil on panel. Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington.

“Augustus Sandys (1829 — 1904) British Pre-Raphaelite painter, illustrator and delineator associated with the Victorian era. His works focused on mythology and portraiture.”

[arthistoryanimalia]

#MetalMonday :

Ángel Botello (b. Spain, d. Puerto Rico, 1913-1986)

Egyptian Cat, n.d.

Bronze

On display at University of Delaware Museums’ new exhibit “Sight, Sound, and Motion: The Dimensions of Sculpture”

[faithandarisadventures]

The Passage of the Delaware by Thomas Sully March 10, 2024 Museum of Fine Arts Boston, Massachusetts

[irreplaceable-spark]

For untold years in the mouse-infested, secret crawlspace of an attic in Newark, Delaware, a man named Michael Kintner Corbett kept priceless American history locked away from the world.

That is, until the FBI came calling.

On May 24, 2017, FBI agents led by art crimes Special Agent Jake Archer executed a search warrant and found the hidden upper room of Corbett’s Newark residence and a safe tucked in the basement.

In the process, the agents broke open a 50-year mystery spanning six states, 16 museums and dozens of historic firearms whose provenance spans the entire history of America – a rash of museum burglaries Archer calls “one of the largest of its kind that we’re aware of.”

[galleryofart]

Veronica Veronese

Artist: Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1828-1882

Genre: Portrait

Date: 1872

Medium: Oil on Canvas

Collection: Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington

Veronica Veronese is a Venetian-inspired oil painting from 1872, created by British artist Dante Gabriel Rossetti. The painting features Alexa Wilding as the model, and was intended to be a companion piece to “Lady Lilith”. It represents Rossetti’s artistic output during the 1860s and 1870s where he drew inspiration from Venice.

In “Veronica Veronese”, Rossetti depicts an allegory for the creation of art. The painting showcases a beautiful young woman sitting in front of a window with sunlight pouring in around her as she creates art. The elaborate turquoise dress worn by Veronica is one of the most notable things when observing this artwork. Her golden hair sits atop her head like an intricate crown tied up with ribbons that drape down the back of her neck. The background shows several dozen flowers including lilies, roses and poppies.