-
Metropolitan Museum Acquires Lucas van Leyden Drawing
Wednesday, July 23, 2008, 4:00 a.m.
(New York, July 24, 2008)—The Metropolitan Museum of Art has acquired a drawing of the Archangel Gabriel announcing the birth of Christ by the Netherlandish master Lucas van Leyden (Leyden ca. 1494 – 1533 Leyden), it was announced today. The drawing, dating to the 1520s, enters the Museum's collection through the combination of a promised gift by Leon D. and Debra R. Black and purchase by the Museum. It is now the only drawing by the artist in America.
-
Buddhist Manuscript Paintings on View at Metropolitan Museum This Summer
Thursday, July 17, 2008, 4:00 a.m.
An installation of 30 palm-leaf folios from Indian illuminated manuscripts will open at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on July 29, 2008. Featuring some of the earliest surviving Indian manuscripts, dating from the 10th to the 13th century, Early Buddhist Manuscript Painting: The Palm-leaf Tradition will center on one remarkable Mahayanist Buddhist text, the Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita Sutra ('Perfection of Wisdom'), illustrated through the Museum's rare holdings of eastern Indian and Nepalese illuminated palm-leaf manuscripts, book-covers, initiation cards, thankas, and sculptures.
-
Nan Rosenthal Retires and Marla Prather Joins Modern Art Department at Metropolitan Museum
Wednesday, July 9, 2008, 4:00 a.m.
(New York, July 10, 2008)—After 15 years as Senior Consultant for modern and contemporary art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Nan Rosenthal will retire on July 1, it was announced today by Gary Tinterow, Engelhard Curator in Charge of the Department of Nineteenth-Century, Modern, and Contemporary Art at the Metropolitan.
-
Metropolitan Museum of Art Announces 2008-2009 Season of Concerts
Wednesday, July 2, 2008, 4:00 a.m.
The 55th Season Opens With Philippe de Montebello Narrating Saint-Saëns's Carnival of the Animals with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, and Includes the Return of Itzhak Perlman and the Perlman Music Program; Ten Pianists Including Till Fellner Launching a Beethoven Sonata Cycle; the Complete Beethoven String Quartets; the Farewell Season of the Guarneri String Quartet; Patti Smith, Richie Havens, and Lesley Gore; and Music from Mali, Mexico,
Spain, and Turkey
-
Luxury Objects of Carved and Inlaid Semiprecious Stones to be Displayed at Metropolitan Museum
Monday, June 30, 2008, 4:00 a.m.
The Italian term pietre dure – literally meaning "hard stones" – refers to the artistic cutting of semiprecious stones, such as agate, lapis lazuli, and other colorful hardstones, to fashion extravagant luxury objects, from architectural ornament and furniture to ornate display items and personal jewelry. Opening July 1 at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the landmark exhibition Art of the Royal Court: Treasures in Pietre Dure from the Palaces of Europe will feature more than 170 masterpieces in carved stone, many of them embellished with gold and silver mounts or decorated with exotic woods and other coveted materials. From the Renaissance to the early 19th century, the affluent societies of Europe were mesmerized by works in pietre dure, both as diplomatic gifts and as objects of desire. The presentation at the Metropolitan will offer the most comprehensive overview ever dedicated to this magnificent medium.
-
Statement by The Metropolitan Museum of Art on Accident Involving Italian Terracotta Relief Sculpture by Della Robbia
Monday, June 30, 2008, 4:00 a.m.
(NEW YORK, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2008)—The Metropolitan Museum of Art is saddened to report that late last night or early this morning, a late 15th-century glazed terracotta relief sculpture of Saint Michael the Archangel by Andrea della Robbia (1435-1525), came loose from metal mounts that have long held the framed lunette securely to the wall above a doorway in its European Sculpture and Decorative Arts Galleries. The 62-x-32-inch relief, which has been on view in its current location since 1996, fell to a stone floor and suffered some damage. Preliminary inspection indicates that the relief has not been irrevocably harmed and that it can be repaired and again presented to the public.
-
Major Retrospective of British Artist J. M. W. Turner Opens at Metropolitan Museum on July 1
Wednesday, June 25, 2008, 4:00 a.m.
The first major retrospective of the work of celebrated British artist J. M. W. Turner (1775–1851) to be presented in the United States in more than 40 years will be on view at The Metropolitan Museum of Art beginning July 1, 2008. The exhibition J. M. W. Turner will represent the artist's extensive iconographic range, from seascapes and topographical views to historical subjects and scenes from his imagination. More than half of the approximately 140 paintings and watercolors on view will be on loan from Tate Britain, which houses the Turner Bequest, the most comprehensive collection of the artist's work in the world. These will be complemented by works from other collections in Europe and North America.
-
Metropolitan Museum Corporate Benefit Breaks Fundraising Record
Monday, June 23, 2008, 4:00 a.m.
In recognition of his outstanding leadership in support of the arts and community enrichment, Kenneth D. Lewis, chairman, chief executive officer and president of Bank of America Corporation, was honored at The Metropolitan Museum of Art's 2008 Corporate Benefit on Monday, June 23.
-
Metropolitan Museum Explores Relationship of Art and Science during First Annual World Science Festival
Tuesday, May 27, 2008, 4:00 a.m.
A variety of special programs – including lectures, gallery tours, family activities, and the inauguration of a new Audio Guide program – focusing on art and science will take place at The Metropolitan Museum of Art from May 28 through June 1 as part of New York City's first annual World Science Festival.
-
Highlights of Metropolitan Museum's American Art Collection Remain on View During American Wing Construction Project
Monday, May 26, 2008, 4:00 a.m.
Many of the best-known and most beloved works from the Metropolitan Museum's preeminent collection of American art will remain on view in various locations throughout the Museum for the duration of a four-year construction project – scheduled for completion in winter 2010-11. The project will reconfigure, renovate, or upgrade nearly every section of The American Wing. A major goal of the plan is to improve public access to, and visitor flow within, The American Wing's galleries.