Release Date: October 24, 2011

Antico: The Golden Age of Renaissance Bronzes Celebrated With In-Depth Web Feature and Array of Related Programs at National Gallery of Art

Washington, DC—The National Gallery of Art plans an in-depth Web feature, in addition to several public programs, to honor Antico: The Golden Age of Renaissance Bronzes, the first monographic exhibition in the United States devoted to the Italian sculptor (1455–1528). On view in the East Building from November 6, 2011, through April 8, 2012, the exhibition is complemented by a lecture, concert, and gallery talks, as well as a variety of related publications available in the Gallery Shops.

WEB FEATURE

A Web feature will explore themes of the exhibition, allowing online visitors to access vital background information about almost twenty exhibited objects, as well as a glossary of terms, casting diagrams, and short biographies of Antico's patrons. Viewers may also explore twelve original documents pertaining to Antico's life—including four of his letters—in a special section produced in collaboration with the Archivio di Stato of Mantua, where the 15th- and 16th-century original documents are currently preserved. These illustrated and translated documents offer a fascinating glimpse into Antico's work and Renaissance life.

PROGRAMS

All programs are free of charge in the East Building Auditorium unless otherwise noted. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Lecture

Antico: The Making of an Exhibition
Sunday, November 20, 2:00 p.m.
Eleonora Luciano, associate curator of sculpture; Dylan Smith, Robert H. Smith Research Conservator; Naomi Remes, exhibition officer; Donna Kirk, senior architect and designer; Brad Ireland, publishing designer, National Gallery of Art

Concert

Duo Asteria
Sunday, February 5, 2012, 6:30 p.m.
Renaissance music for voice and lute
West Garden Court
Special family-friendly performance at 1:00 p.m., West Building Lecture Hall

Gallery Talks

Regular public tours of Antico: The Golden Age of Renaissance Bronzes will be offered by the adult programs department of the education division.

Antico: The Golden Age of Renaissance Bronzes
David Gariff
December 1, 2, 10, 11 at 1:00 p.m.
December 15, 16 at 2:00 p.m.
(60 minutes)
East Building Ground Level, Information Desk

GALLERY SHOPS

The 224-page catalogue, which includes 157 color illustrations, is available in hardcover in the Gallery Shops for $50. Copublished by the National Gallery of Art and Paul Holberton publishing, it is the only available English-language monograph on Antico and features a series of essays providing an overview of the artist's career. In addition to the catalogue, several major publications on Renaissance sculpture will be available, including Art of the Renaissance Bronze: The Robert H. Smith Collection by Anthony Radcliffe and Nicholas Penny, and Looking At European Sculpture: A Guide to Technical Terms by Jane Bassett.

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

Pier Jacopo Alari Bonacolsi, known as Antico (c. 1455–1528), transformed the art of bronze sculpture. His contributions are celebrated in Antico: The Golden Age of Renaissance Bronzes, the first monographic exhibition in the United States devoted to the Italian sculptor and goldsmith. On view at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, from November 6, 2011, through April 8, 2012, the exhibition includes some 40 rare works—medals, reliefs, busts, and Antico's renowned statuettes—representing more than three quarters of the sculptor's known works.

EXHIBITION ORGANIZATION AND SUPPORT

Antico: The Golden Age of Renaissance Bronzes was organized by the National Gallery of Art, Washington, in association with The Frick Collection, New York, where it will be on view from May 1 through July 29, 2012. The exhibition is made possible by the generous support of Robert H. and Clarice Smith. It is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities.

The exhibition is part of ITALY@150, a series of activities in Washington, DC, and throughout the United States that celebrates the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy and the long-lasting friendship between the two countries.