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December Issue 2006
Columbia Museum of Art Reunites Paintings from the Samuel H. Kress Collection
For the first time in South Carolina, two paintings depicting scenes derived from the Commedia dell'Arte by Magnasco, a most unusual 18th century artist, are shown side-by-side as the artist originally intended in the exhibit, Theater of Vice: The Kress Pulcinella Paintings Reunited. The museum's painting of Pulcinella Singing to His Many Children was given to the museum in 1954 by Samuel Kress, and its partner, The Supper of Pulcinella and Colombina, now on loan through Jan. 21, 2007, was given to the North Carolina Museum of Art in 1960. The pair of paintings is on view in the Columbia Museum of Art's 18th Century SCANA Gallery in Columbia, SC.
The Commedia dell'Arte (comedy of professional artists) was a popular form of improvisational theater that began in the 14th century and remained popular throughout the 18th century, particularly in Italy. The performances were based on a repertoire of established characters and story lines that highlighted a range of human weaknesses such as adultery, jealousy, love intrigues, tricking or outwitting a simpleton, or old age; these were often amended by traveling troupes to satirize local scandals and politics. In addition to being raucous entertainment, Commedia dell'Arte performances underscored the threat of vice avarice, gluttony, promiscuity, vanity, etc. and the honor of virtue.
This installation and its related programming are generously supported by the Samuel H. Kress Foundation.
The Columbia Museum of Art is South Carolina's premier international art museum with extraordinary collections of European and American fine and decorative art that span centuries. Founded in 1950, the museum opened its new building on Main Street in 1998 by transforming an urban department store to a sleek and airy, light-filled space with 25 galleries. The collections include masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance and Baroque from the Samuel H. Kress Collection, works by significant furniture and silver makers, as well as modern and contemporary art from the present time. Of particular interest are Sandro Botticelli's Nativity, Claude Monet's The Seine at Giverny and art glass by Louis Comfort Tiffany. The museum also offers changing exhibitions from renowned museums and educational programs that include group and public tours, lectures, films, and concert series. Generous support to the museum is provided by the City of Columbia and Richland County Council.
For further information check our SC Institutional
Gallery listings, call the Museum at 803/799-2810 or visit (www.ColumbiaMuseum.org).
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