Some of the finest examples of Renaissance art in Australia will be on display at the Warrnambool Art Gallery (WAG) from December 7.
From the Sacred to the Profane – The Challenges and Possibilities of Renaissance Art has been organised by the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) and WAG and features 66 paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures.
This free exhibition includes creations from European Renaissance masters including Rubens, Dürer, Mantegna, Carracci and Règnier with works spanning from the fifteenth to the early eighteenth century.
This is the only chance to view this collection of masterpieces in regional Victoria, many of which have not been on public display for many years.
WAG Director John Cunningham said that locals and visitors to Warrnambool would be the beneficiaries of this exciting partnership between the NGV and WAG.
“From the Sacred to the Profane – The Challenges and Possibilities of Renaissance Art presents the Renaissance as a much more complex, disturbing and worldly place than it may first appear to us, but its imperfections only add to its singular importance in the history of western cultural life,” Mr Cunningham said.
“The Renaissance is one of the most extraordinary and complex events in the history of western culture and the artwork of the time reflects this.
“This is a rare opportunity to experience the vitality and brilliance of Renaissance art outside of Melbourne or Sydney and should not be missed.”
As Europe slowly recovered from the devastation caused by the ‘Black Death’ pandemic of 1348-1356 (to which almost a third of its population had fallen victim), the foundations were laid for the early modern period with the establishment of universities and the development of science and technology.
This was inspired, in part, by the renewal of the art, architecture, literature, mythology and science of ancient Greece and Rome, but also, by an equally momentous revolution in exploration, trade and finance.
From the Sacred to the Profane – The Challenges and Possibilities of Renaissance Art is on display at the WAG from December 7 until March 15.
Indemnification for this exhibition is provided by the Victorian Government.
