Tuesday, September 15, 2009

"The Earthly Paradise" Edward Burne-Jones Exhibit at Staatsgalerie in Stuttgart


"The Earthly Paradise," a new exhibit of Sir Edward Burne-Jones' work, will be showing at the Staatsgalerie in Stuttgart, Germany, beginning October 24, 2009 and running through February 7, 2010. The exhibit will focus on Burne-Jones spectacular narrative paintings.

Burne-Jones' paintings often retell classic tales from literature and mythology, and this exhibit will pay particular attention to his well-loved Perseus (which is part of the Staatsgalerie's permanent collection) and Briar Rose cycles. The tapestries he created with scenes from King Arthur and his Knights will also be featured.

The exhibit draws its title,"The Earthly Paradise," from William Morris' book of poems by the same name. First published in 1868, The Earthly Paradise helped to inspire Burne-Jones to create his narrative paintings. And I'm so glad it did! Sir Edward Burne-Jones created so many beautiful paintings that tell fantastic stories from an ideal age. You can look at them for ages and never cease to be transported.

"The Earthly Paradise" promises to be a multimedia exhibit, and Burne-Jones paintings will be shown alongside stained-glass windows, book illustrations, furniture and other arts and crafts era items. It's a chance to experience "a living environment shaped by art." I'm sure nothing would have pleased Burne-Jones more.

If you plan on being anywhere near Stuttgart between October and February, "The Earthly Paradise" is a must-see. It's definitely a once in a lifetime chance to see these beautiful paintings side by side.

For more information, check out the Staatsgalarie's official Burne-Jones website . The site can be accessed in English here.

Curatorial supervision of "The Earthly Paradise" ("Das Irdische Paradies") by Dr. Christofer Conrad, with assistance by Dr. des. Annabel Zettel. The exhibit is under the patronage of the British Ambassador to Germany, Sir Michael Arthur.

Edward Burne-Jones, Perseus and the Sea-Nymphs, 1877-1898, oil on canvas. Image courtesy Staatsgalerie Stuttgart.

My heartfelt thanks goes to the Staatsgalerie for bringing this exhibition to my attention.

9 comments:

Tracy said...

Ooooo...wish we could skip on over to Germany to see this... bliss! Just love Burne-Jones. Oh, forgot to tell you we're watching the Desperate Romantics! It's fun! How accurate is questionable...LOL...and some scenes might be deemed borderline soft-porn to the more straight-laced...haha...But interesting to see their lives played out and not least the art focus..when they're not romping among the sheets! Happy Day, Margaret :o)

Unknown said...

Hi Margaret, oh..how I have missed your wonderful and beautiful blog. Thanks for all the good wishes and revisiting again, so glad I popped over and will be coming over again. Wish I could be there and this exhibition ties nicely with your blog title. Have a blessed week ahead my friend, hugs.....M

Hermes said...

I got the circular too and kept wishing I still had to do work in Germany (I am retired now). looks like it will be really good.

Vivian said...

Hi Margaret:
we attended the Van. Art Gallerie show of Dutch Masters ... it was incredible seeing the use of light and detail!
and, yes it is beautiful here.

Hels said...

"'The Earthly Paradise' promises to be a multimedia exhibit, and Burne-Jones paintings will be shown alongside stained-glass windows, book illustrations, furniture and other arts and crafts era items. It's a chance to experience 'a living environment shaped by art'".

I am delighted to hear that. Painting has almost always been considered a higher, finer art than the so-called decorative arts. Which is a shame. Paintings can be utterly gorgeous, but they cannot spread a style as well as furniture, silverware, ceramics, stained glass, book illustrations etc can.

I suppose there was the cost factor, as well. Few people could afford an original painting by a master artist, but almost everyone could afford an illustrated book.

Hopefully the Edward Burne-Jones Exhibit at Stuttgart's Staatsgalerie will later travel on to this hemisphere.

Unknown said...

Oh I wish I could go! My favourite artist.

Rowan said...

I would love to see this, it sounds as though it will be a superb exhibition.

Bebe said...

Hi Margaret!!
How are you, girl? I just read that you are expecting, so CONGRATULATIONS!!! That's wonderful news, and I know you are excited! :) Thanks for coming over today. It's good to see old friends and be back to blogging!
Hugs, Bebe :)

P.S. Just found you on Twitter, too!

Nicolette said...

Wish I can attend. Seems like it's going to be an amazing exhibit. Do keep us updated.

Nicolette
http://www.furnitureanddesignideas.com/