‘Pilgrims of Beauty: Art and Inspiration in 19th-Century Italy' at RISD-Museum of Art

With its lush landscape, storied history, and magnificent architecture and art collections, Italy has long served as a source of inspiration for artists—enthralling, in the 19th century, such masters as Ingres, Turner, Sargent, and Whistler. The Rhode Island School of Design-Museum of Art’s new exhibition, Pilgrims of Beauty: Art and Inspiration in 19th-Century Italy, offers a window into this remarkable period of experimentation and artistic collaboration with more than 60 works all drawn from the Museum’s collection. Pilgrims of Beauty is currently open and runs through July 8, 2012.

As the foremost study destination for 19th-century artists from across Europe and from the United States, Italy was an essential stop on any artist’s Grand Tour—and a cultural crossroads where generations of artists from Canova and Granet to Lear and Signac mingled under the Mediterranean sun and motivated each other to explore new styles and subjects. Featuring a stunning array of paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, photographs, and jewelry, Pilgrims of Beauty celebrates the artistic styles and techniques that emerged during this period in one of the most beautiful and culturally rich lands in the world.

For more information, visit http://www.risdmuseum.org