|
International
Art Treasures Web Magazine January 2005 |
Glasgow's Artistic TreasuresArt Treasures of Kelvingrove
|
|
|
The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is currently under renovation but many of its famous art treasures are available in an exhibit at the McLellan Galleries. |
Rembrandt, Whistler and Turner are among the international artists within the 200 pieces on display. Homegrown talent is an important part of the Art Treasures of Kelvingrove, with the foursome known as the Scottish Colorists, Orchardson and Pettie to name a few of the wonderful talent contained within the collection.
The Scottish Colorists
Cadell, Fergusson, Hunter and Peploe are known collectively as the Scottish Colorists. The title arose given each of the four was heavily influenced by Fauvism after separate journeys to France and being exposed to the works of artists like Matisse.
F C B Cadell, born in Edinburgh, was a teenager when he made his debut
in the Parisian art scene that had a profound influence upon both his
work and his lifestyle. His flamboyant dress sense made him a known
figure when he returned to Edinburgh and established his own studio. He
worked in numerous studios in the Georgian portion of town and the
interiors were a common theme in his works such as Interior - The
Orange Blind.
Title: The Pink Parasol: Bertha Case
Artist: John Duncan Fergusson (Scottish 1874-1961)
Image Courtesy: The Glasgow Museums
J. D. Fergusson was a self-taught artist who spent many of his formative artistic development years in France. Later in life he would champion upcoming artists. Especially those who, like him, learned and honed their craft relying on their own ingenuity.
Born in Leith, Edinburgh he was a part of the Parisian cafe scene dominated by Picasso and Matisse, two of his acquaintances.
William Quiller Orchardson
Title: Le Marriage de Covenance
Artist: Sir William Quiller Orchardson (Scottish 1832-1910)
Image Courtesy: The Glasgow Museums
'The psychological drama of the upper class' is one phrase used to describe a style pursued by William Quiller Orchardson. The Marriage of Convenience is one of his best know works that features in this case the unease or discontent of a bride with her older husband, undoubtedly in the midst of an arranged union. The color as was typical for Orchardson is muted
John Pettie
Title: Two Strings to her Bow
Artist: John Pettie (Scottish 1839-1893)
Image Courtesy: The Glasgow Museums
Who are the subjects of Two Strings to her Bow? It was a question that caused much speculation.
For years it was believed that John Pettie painted his daughter Alison while she was walking with Hamish MacCunn and another unknown gentleman. It turned out that Pettie had painted his governess who was out strolling with his friend Hamish MacCunn and Alec Watt, his neighbor.
One Million Days in China
until February 13, 2005
Title: Burial Urn with Human and Animal Motif
Made 4,000 Years Ago
Gansu Yangshao Dynasty
Medium: Earthenware,
Dimensions: 37.46 x 47.0 cm
Inv. 38.46
© Glasgow City Council (Museums)
Image Courtesy: The Glasgow Museums
In their first ever extensive Chinese exhibition The Glasgow Museums will showcase over 4 centuries of Chinese history and culture through
a retrospective of Sir William Burrell's art collection. One Million Days in China marks the first major
Glasgow based exhibition
of Chinese antiquities. The exhibit is comprised of over 150 objects
from Burrell's collection.
Title: Two Handled Carved Vessel
Made 800 Years Ago
Song Dynasty
Medium: Jade
Dimensions: 19.68 x 12.7 x 13.8 cm
Inv. 22.115
© Glasgow City Council (Museums)
Image Courtesy: The Glasgow Museums
Generously Sir William Burrell and his wife Constance donated the collection to the city of Glasgow. It was comprised of well over 9,000 works of art. The catch was the collection was not to be shown any closer than 16 miles from the center of the city, given the donors concerns for the effect of smog and other pollutants on the art. That was an incredibly forward thinking position to take in the year of the donation, 1944.
|
It wasn't until 1967 that a solution was reached through the gift of Pollock House and Estate to the city. Albeit, while not meeting the 16 mile term, the location was satisfactory and the next step, the search for an architect was on. The building was opened to the public in 1983. |
|
The Art Treasures of Kelvingroveand One Million Days in China, two important reasons to make a trip to Scotland to view these outstanding art collections at the Glasgow Museums.