May23 –Oct. 11, 2009
Sarasota, FL—April 8, 2009 –Four centuries of rarely seen drawings of the nude form from the Crocker Art Museum will be on view at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, May 2-July 26, 2009 in the Language of the Nude: Four Centuries of Drawing the Human Body exhibition. Nearly 60 drawings trace the depiction of the human body from beginning with its role in the artist’s process and further exploring the ideals - and desires - it expressed in European art.
“This exhibition is a unique opportunity for Sarasota to explore the process of drawing the live model,” said Dr. John Wetenhall Executive Director of the Ringling Museum. “Drawing the nude form is still considered to be the highest artistic aspiration. The drawings in this exhibition provide exemplary examples of how these drawings have evolved over time.”
The exhibition will feature 56 drawings divided into four sections and offers viewers an opportunity to examine the artists working process from four centuries including the early Italian Renaissance ; the dialogue between northern and southern Netherlands in the 17th century; the formation and dominance of the French Académie in the 18th century and the synthesis of native and ideal forms in 19th-century German academies.
Visitors will view how artists portray the human body and its place in Christian art, Classical mythology and literary works. The language of the line, pose and gesture that the nude embodies in stories, ranging from the Crucifixion to the Judgment of Paris to stories from national epics will be explored. Artists ranging from Peter Paul Rubens to Albrecht Dürer will be featured.
The Language of the Nude: Four Centuries of Drawing the Human Body was organized by the Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, CA.
An educational Spotlight program on the exhibition will be held on May 15, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Led by an art historian and artist, this exhibition tour and discussion of line, pose and media will offer insights into why the depiction of the nude body is considered the highest expression of artistic ability. The Spotlight will be presented by Alexandra Libby, Assistant Curator of European Art at the Ringling Museum and Aaron Board, Preparator at the Ringling Museum and Instructor of Anatomy at the Ringling College of Art and Design. Participants in the program should arrive in the Visitor Pavilion at least 15 minutes prior to the program. Advance tickets are required by calling Advance Ticket Sales at 941.358.3180. Tickets are $12 for members and $19 for non-members.