Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

09/14/2021

Happy Birthday #RenzoPiano, the architect behind the Museum’s state-of-the-art New Wing. Upon his first visit to the Gardner Museum in 2004, Piano remarked, “This woman was mad, this is extraordinary.” Head to the link to learn more about how the New Wing plays off Isabella’s Venetian-inspired palazzo: https://bit.ly/3Adr84m

📸: Nic Lehoux

Happy Birthday #RenzoPiano, the architect behind the Museum’s state-of-the-art New Wing. Upon his first visit to the Gardner Museum in 2004, Piano remarked, “This woman was mad, this is extraordinary.” Head to the link to learn more about how the New Wing plays off Isabella’s Venetian-inspired palazzo: https://bit.ly/3Adr84m

📸: Nic Lehoux

09/13/2021

Andrea Mantegna died #OnThisDay in 1506. Mantegna rose to fame at the Renaissance court of Isabella d’Este, known as “ The First Lady of the Renaissance” for her patronage of the arts. Isabella Stewart Gardner fashioned herself as a latter-day Isabella d’Este, which undoubtedly drew her to this painting, now found in the Early Italian Room.

Image: Andrea Mantegna, The Virgin and Child with Infant Saint John the Baptist and Six Female Saints (detail), about 1497-1500. Tempera on panel transferred to canvas on masonite.

Andrea Mantegna died #OnThisDay in 1506. Mantegna rose to fame at the Renaissance court of Isabella d’Este, known as “ The First Lady of the Renaissance” for her patronage of the arts. Isabella Stewart Gardner fashioned herself as a latter-day Isabella d’Este, which undoubtedly drew her to this painting, now found in the Early Italian Room.

Image: Andrea Mantegna, The Virgin and Child with Infant Saint John the Baptist and Six Female Saints (detail), about 1497-1500. Tempera on panel transferred to canvas on masonite.

09/13/2021

On Sunday, September 26, stop by the Museum for a special performance by The New York Times-acclaimed violinist Jennifer Koh. Starting at 1:30 pm, Jennifer will perform a series of sonatas by Bach, amidst the flowers and cathedral acoustics of our Courtyard.

The best part? The experience is free with your Museum admission! Grab your advance tickets today: https://bit.ly/3tGv1fN

On Sunday, September 26, stop by the Museum for a special performance by The New York Times-acclaimed violinist Jennifer Koh. Starting at 1:30 pm, Jennifer will perform a series of sonatas by Bach, amidst the flowers and cathedral acoustics of our Courtyard.

The best part? The experience is free with your Museum admission! Grab your advance tickets today: https://bit.ly/3tGv1fN

09/12/2021

Happy #GrandparentsDay! This painting of Isabella’s grandmother, found in the Short Gallery, was likely bequeathed to her by her father. She was named after her beloved grandmother, Isabella Tod Stewart, who was herself a prize-winning horticulturist and successful farmer. In a recent blog post, we got to know the elder Isabella, check it out: https://bit.ly/3eR9biT

Image: Thomas Scully, Isabella Tod Stewart, 1837. Oil on canvas.

Happy #GrandparentsDay! This painting of Isabella’s grandmother, found in the Short Gallery, was likely bequeathed to her by her father. She was named after her beloved grandmother, Isabella Tod Stewart, who was herself a prize-winning horticulturist and successful farmer. In a recent blog post, we got to know the elder Isabella, check it out: https://bit.ly/3eR9biT

Image: Thomas Scully, Isabella Tod Stewart, 1837. Oil on canvas.

09/09/2021

Make plans for a night at the Museum! Every Thursday, the #GardnerMuseum stays open until 9 pm, so pop on your mask, grab a friend and wind down the work week with us. All visitors must reserve their tickets ahead of time, so book yours today: https://www.gardnermuseum.org/visit

📸: IG users gracerossaroni & lukemadd

Make plans for a night at the Museum! Every Thursday, the #GardnerMuseum stays open until 9 pm, so pop on your mask, grab a friend and wind down the work week with us. All visitors must reserve their tickets ahead of time, so book yours today: https://www.gardnermuseum.org/visit

📸: IG users gracerossaroni & lukemadd

09/08/2021

Of the approximately 2700 books Isabella acquired for her museum, about 120 can be considered children's books. The Museum’s Library contains classics like Aesop’s Fables and The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, as well as a number of Japanese fairy tales. What is your favorite children's book? #InternationalLiteracyDay 📚

Image: Illustrated by Kobayashi Eitaku, The Tongue-Cut Sparrow [Sh*takiri Suzume], 1886. Ink and color on paper.

Of the approximately 2700 books Isabella acquired for her museum, about 120 can be considered children's books. The Museum’s Library contains classics like Aesop’s Fables and The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, as well as a number of Japanese fairy tales. What is your favorite children's book? #InternationalLiteracyDay 📚

Image: Illustrated by Kobayashi Eitaku, The Tongue-Cut Sparrow [Sh*takiri Suzume], 1886. Ink and color on paper.

09/08/2021

Sarah Bernhardt’s life was the stuff of legends: she drew thousands of audience members to her performances, she occasionally slept in a coffin, and was perhaps the first paparazzi-obsession in the late 19th century. Outside of her decades-long theater career, Bernhardt was a celebrated sculptor with works displayed at the Paris Salon. You can spot this portrait in the Modern Actors Case in the Museum's Long Gallery! #NationalActorsDay

Image: European, Sarah Bernhardt As Zanetto In "Le Passant" (detail), About 1869.
Albumen print on card.

Sarah Bernhardt’s life was the stuff of legends: she drew thousands of audience members to her performances, she occasionally slept in a coffin, and was perhaps the first paparazzi-obsession in the late 19th century. Outside of her decades-long theater career, Bernhardt was a celebrated sculptor with works displayed at the Paris Salon. You can spot this portrait in the Modern Actors Case in the Museum's Long Gallery! #NationalActorsDay

Image: European, Sarah Bernhardt As Zanetto In "Le Passant" (detail), About 1869.
Albumen print on card.

09/07/2021

This week on the blog, Chief Paintings Conservator Gianfranco Pocobene zooms in on the details and craftsmanship Titian applied to The R**e of Europa, as uncovered in the 2019 conservation of the painting. Visit the link to learn about our new discoveries: https://bit.ly/3h9w9DU

This week on the blog, Chief Paintings Conservator Gianfranco Pocobene zooms in on the details and craftsmanship Titian applied to The R**e of Europa, as uncovered in the 2019 conservation of the painting. Visit the link to learn about our new discoveries: https://bit.ly/3h9w9DU

09/06/2021

Happy Labor Day! The Museum is open today with its regular hours, from 11 am to 5 pm; advanced registration is required. However you spend your day today, we hope it is as relaxing as this serene tapestry, found on the third floor of the Museum.

Image: Flemish, Landscape with Figures (detail), about 1725-1750. Wool warp; wool and silk wefts.

Happy Labor Day! The Museum is open today with its regular hours, from 11 am to 5 pm; advanced registration is required. However you spend your day today, we hope it is as relaxing as this serene tapestry, found on the third floor of the Museum.

Image: Flemish, Landscape with Figures (detail), about 1725-1750. Wool warp; wool and silk wefts.

09/05/2021

"Art was never made just to provide reassurance. How can we survive as human beings without artists to show us human and divine nature in every aspect, to make something out of their vision — their gaze — that’s both deeply questioning and ravishingly beautiful?"

WBUR 90.9 FM's Lloyd Schwartz reviews Titian: Women, Myth & Power, read it here→
https://wbur.fm/3kNeNNY

"Art was never made just to provide reassurance. How can we survive as human beings without artists to show us human and divine nature in every aspect, to make something out of their vision — their gaze — that’s both deeply questioning and ravishingly beautiful?"

WBUR 90.9 FM's Lloyd Schwartz reviews Titian: Women, Myth & Power, read it here→
https://wbur.fm/3kNeNNY

09/04/2021

Today is #WorldBeardDay, so let’s take a moment to appreciate one of the flashier bits of facial hair in the collection. This self-portrait by Baccio Bandinelli is the quintessential selfie of yesteryear! In the painting, found in the Titian Room, Bandinelli asserts himself as Florence’s official sculptor as he proudly shows off a preparatory drawing for the Hercules and Caucus sculpture that secured his reputation. To show off even more, he wears a gold chain around his neck that he received from Emperor Charles V.

Image: Baccio Bandinelli, Self Portrait (detail), about 1545. Oil on panel.

Today is #WorldBeardDay, so let’s take a moment to appreciate one of the flashier bits of facial hair in the collection. This self-portrait by Baccio Bandinelli is the quintessential selfie of yesteryear! In the painting, found in the Titian Room, Bandinelli asserts himself as Florence’s official sculptor as he proudly shows off a preparatory drawing for the Hercules and Caucus sculpture that secured his reputation. To show off even more, he wears a gold chain around his neck that he received from Emperor Charles V.

Image: Baccio Bandinelli, Self Portrait (detail), about 1545. Oil on panel.

09/03/2021

On September 30, tune in from anywhere in the world for The Larger Conversation: Creative Collision! Using the grim fate of the women depicted in Titian’s series of mythological paintings as a jumping-off point, we'll explore the importance of the representation of women in art. Join Artists-in-Residence Mary Reid Kelley and Patrick Kelley and acclaimed professors Jenni Sorkin and Jill Burke for a virtual discussion about power, gender, and sexuality.

Register today: https://bit.ly/3y5EEWR

09/02/2021

Four saint figures decorate the front of this reliquary casket which would house the relics (fragments of bone, skin, or hair) of a holy person. The distinct, vibrant enamel of this object is the signature style of Limoges, France, and was sought after by royal and religious elites alike! Isabella purchased this casket while in Munich, Germany in 1897, and placed it in the Ecclesiastical Case in the Long Gallery.

Object: French, Reliquary Casket, About 1200-1250. Champlevé enamel on copper with semi-precious stones.

Four saint figures decorate the front of this reliquary casket which would house the relics (fragments of bone, skin, or hair) of a holy person. The distinct, vibrant enamel of this object is the signature style of Limoges, France, and was sought after by royal and religious elites alike! Isabella purchased this casket while in Munich, Germany in 1897, and placed it in the Ecclesiastical Case in the Long Gallery.

Object: French, Reliquary Casket, About 1200-1250. Champlevé enamel on copper with semi-precious stones.

09/01/2021

As part of the interpretation process for the exhibition Titian: Women, Myth & Power, the Gardner Museum worked with six collaborators who brought their individual perspectives to this exhibition.

This week on the blog, we are spotlighting Mother Mercy Johnette Marie Ellis’s lyrical, thought-provoking response to Titian’s Perseus and Andromeda, read it here: https://bit.ly/3gTu3rz

As part of the interpretation process for the exhibition Titian: Women, Myth & Power, the Gardner Museum worked with six collaborators who brought their individual perspectives to this exhibition.

This week on the blog, we are spotlighting Mother Mercy Johnette Marie Ellis’s lyrical, thought-provoking response to Titian’s Perseus and Andromeda, read it here: https://bit.ly/3gTu3rz

09/01/2021

September’s birthstone is the #sapphire, so we’re taking a closer look at a work of art in the collection featuring the gem. This pendant and its garnet counterpart were given to Isabella by Baron Roman Romanovich Rosen, a diplomat for the Russian Empire, and his wife Elizabeth. The Bolshevik Revolution forced the Rosens to flee Russia in 1917. In Russian culture, the blue color of the sapphire was traditionally used as a symbol of noble birth.

Objects: Russian, Easter Egg Pendants, late 19th century. Gold and sapphire, gold and garnet.

08/30/2021

To celebrate the recent opening of Titian: Women, Myth & Power, Gift at the Gardner presents the August Book of the Month: Titian’s R**e of Europa, edited by Nathaniel Silver, the Museum’s Curator of the Collection, with essays by Thomas Dalla Costa, and Gianfranco Pocobene, Chief Paintings Conservator at the Gardner Museum. This book provides a close-up view of Titian’s R**e of Europa, painted for King Philip II of Spain between 1559 and 1562. In this book, dramatically enlarged details of the composition demonstrate Titian’s deft touch and technical accomplishment. Accompanying these details is commentary from the conservator, Gianfranco Pocobene, who returned “Europa” to its original glory.

Shortly after art dealer and friend Bernard Berenson secured “Europa” for her collection, Isabella wrote, “Up to this moment Europa has not appeared [...], and I am gnawingly impatient.” If you are just as eager to behold Europa, purchase your copy of Titian’s R**e of Europa here: https://bit.ly/2V1z7lW

To celebrate the recent opening of Titian: Women, Myth & Power, Gift at the Gardner presents the August Book of the Month: Titian’s R**e of Europa, edited by Nathaniel Silver, the Museum’s Curator of the Collection, with essays by Thomas Dalla Costa, and Gianfranco Pocobene, Chief Paintings Conservator at the Gardner Museum. This book provides a close-up view of Titian’s R**e of Europa, painted for King Philip II of Spain between 1559 and 1562. In this book, dramatically enlarged details of the composition demonstrate Titian’s deft touch and technical accomplishment. Accompanying these details is commentary from the conservator, Gianfranco Pocobene, who returned “Europa” to its original glory.

Shortly after art dealer and friend Bernard Berenson secured “Europa” for her collection, Isabella wrote, “Up to this moment Europa has not appeared [...], and I am gnawingly impatient.” If you are just as eager to behold Europa, purchase your copy of Titian’s R**e of Europa here: https://bit.ly/2V1z7lW

08/29/2021

“It is, I’m fine saying, the Renaissance painting event of the year, and maybe a few more besides.” The Boston Globe’s Murray Whyte recommends Titian: Women, Myth & Power; read the full review: https://bit.ly/3z5YUs0

🎟️ Plan your visit today! Admission to the special exhibition is included with your museum entry. Advanced registration is required. #TitianReconsidered

“It is, I’m fine saying, the Renaissance painting event of the year, and maybe a few more besides.” The Boston Globe’s Murray Whyte recommends Titian: Women, Myth & Power; read the full review: https://bit.ly/3z5YUs0

🎟️ Plan your visit today! Admission to the special exhibition is included with your museum entry. Advanced registration is required. #TitianReconsidered

08/28/2021

A native of Italy, Teobaldo "Bolgi" Travi (1863-1944) immigrated to Boston and first came to the Museum to work on its construction. Isabella was impressed with the care that Bolgi handled the sculptures and architectural elements integrated into the building. Once construction was complete, she hired him to be her "majordomo," the chief supervisor of the museum's staff. The photograph shows Bolgi in his majordomo's uniform, custom-designed by the artist Joseph Lindon Smith (1863-1950).

Image: Thomas E. Marr and Son, Theobaldo Travi in the North Cloister (detail), Fenway Court, 1904. Gelatin silver print.

A native of Italy, Teobaldo "Bolgi" Travi (1863-1944) immigrated to Boston and first came to the Museum to work on its construction. Isabella was impressed with the care that Bolgi handled the sculptures and architectural elements integrated into the building. Once construction was complete, she hired him to be her "majordomo," the chief supervisor of the museum's staff. The photograph shows Bolgi in his majordomo's uniform, custom-designed by the artist Joseph Lindon Smith (1863-1950).

Image: Thomas E. Marr and Son, Theobaldo Travi in the North Cloister (detail), Fenway Court, 1904. Gelatin silver print.

08/28/2021

Satyrs (minor deities who are part man and part beast) and maenads (the female followers of the wine god, Dionysus) can be spotted along the sides of the Farnese Sarcophagus. The harvest of the wine alludes to the cycle of life, which made Dionysian revelry a popular theme on ancient Roman sarcophagi. #NationalRedWineDay 🍷

Object: Roman, Farnese Sarcophagus with Revelers Gathering Grapes, about 225 AD. Marble.

Satyrs (minor deities who are part man and part beast) and maenads (the female followers of the wine god, Dionysus) can be spotted along the sides of the Farnese Sarcophagus. The harvest of the wine alludes to the cycle of life, which made Dionysian revelry a popular theme on ancient Roman sarcophagi. #NationalRedWineDay 🍷

Object: Roman, Farnese Sarcophagus with Revelers Gathering Grapes, about 225 AD. Marble.