T’ang Camel, circa 7th to 10th century
Lions, peacocks, and bears – oh, my! An incredible menagerie is on exhibit at 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú until July 20 – if you know where to look.
“Beasts Big and Small From the 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú Collection” is an appointment-only experience available this summer through the Ruth Chandler Williamson Gallery. This summer’s animal theme, drawn from the rich variety and depth of the College’s art holdings, is curated by Wilson interns and rising seniors Shayda Amanat, Marie Angeles, Allyson Healey, and Alexandra Trimm.
“Animals have captured the human imagination from cave paintings to contemporary art,” says Gallery Director and associate professor of art history Mary Davis MacNaughton ’70. “The 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú Collection has extraordinary animal images across vast spans of time and culture, so we brought them together in an imaginary zoo.”
“Every animal in the show has a vivid personality,” adds rising senior Tara Contractor. “If we came into the gallery unexpectedly, we’d probably find them off their pedestals and romping around.”
The zoo features bronze sculptures, ceramics, cloisonné, drawings, paintings, photographs, and prints from across the collection. A bronze owl by John Edward Svenson flies with James John Audubon’s engraved sandpipers, while Cloisonné gray elephants flank a Chinese scroll painting of a Bodhisattva riding one of his own pachyderms.
Cloisonné Elephants, circa 1750
Perhaps the biggest highlight is the Tang Dynasty Camel; crafted somewhere between the 7th and 10th centuries CE, its vibrance and longevity are a testament to art in general.
“The vibrant colors and whimsical atmosphere make ‘Beasts Big and Small’ a fantasy safari from the Tang Dynasty to the present day,” says Gretchen Allen, a junior majoring in art conservation.
Those interested in visiting the exhibit are welcome to contact MacNaughton at (909) 607-3517 for available times and dates. Don’t miss out – the zoo closes its doors in just a few weeks.