Introduction
Throughout Philipe de Montebello’s 30 years as the director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the museum acquired an impressive 84,000 works of art. The exhibition’s signature image, a magnificent self-portrait of Rubin with his family, is a tribute to Montebello’s career. Curator Helen Evans, tasked with selecting the transformative works acquired during Philipe’s tenure, collaborates with senior design advisor Jeff Daly to create a display of 300 culturally diverse pieces. The selections range from early acquisitions to more recent ones, showcasing a variety of styles and periods.
Curating the Exhibition
As the curator responsible for honoring Philipe de Montebello’s legacy, Helen Evans works closely with the museum’s curatorial departments to gather suggestions for the exhibition. The goal is to highlight the most transformative works acquired during Montebello’s time as director. Evans and her team aim to create a cohesive display that is both exciting and unexpected, showcasing the diversity of the museum’s collection.
Selection Process
The selection process for the exhibition involves choosing pieces that reflect Montebello’s influence on the museum’s acquisitions. Pieces acquired early in his career, including those from his time as an assistant curator, are included to illustrate his evolving taste and influence on the museum’s collection. The exhibition stands out for its lack of conformity to any specific style or period, allowing for a broad representation of the museum’s acquisitions.
Challenges of Curation
With a collection as vast as the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s, curating an exhibition of only 300 pieces presents challenges. Despite the abundance of favorite pieces, not all can be included in the show. This process may involve difficult decisions, such as removing certain works to ensure the cohesion and impact of the exhibition. Transforming the gallery space to accommodate the selected pieces adds another layer of complexity to the curation process.
Excitement of the Exhibition
The exhibition honoring Philipe de Montebello’s legacy is a unique opportunity for curator Helen Evans and her team to showcase the museum’s most transformative acquisitions. The diverse selection of pieces, spanning different styles and periods, offers visitors a glimpse into Montebello’s lasting impact on the museum. The process of curating this exhibition is not only a homage to Montebello’s career but also a celebration of the museum’s rich and varied collection.
**Related Questions:**
1. How many works of art did the Metropolitan Museum of Art acquire during Philipe de Montebello’s tenure?
– The museum acquired 84,000 works of art during Philipe de Montebello’s 30 years as director.
2. What is the significance of the self-portrait of Rubin with his family in the exhibition?
– The self-portrait serves as the signature image of the exhibition, symbolizing Philipe de Montebello’s career at the museum.
3. How many pieces are included in the exhibition curated by Helen Evans and Jeff Daly?
– The exhibition features 300 culturally diverse pieces selected to showcase the transformative works acquired during Montebello’s tenure.
4. What sets this exhibition apart from others in terms of style and period representation?
– The exhibition stands out for its lack of conformity to any specific style or period, allowing for a diverse representation of the museum’s acquisitions.
5. What challenges are faced in curating an exhibition with a collection as vast as the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s?
– Curating an exhibition with only 300 pieces from a vast collection presents challenges such as making difficult decisions about which works to include and transforming the gallery space to accommodate the selected pieces.
