 |
House Proud: Nineteenthcentury Watercolor InteriorsHouse Proud: Nineteenthcentury Watercolor Interiors from the Thaw Collection examines the evolution of the domestic interior in 19th-century Europe.
Cooper-Hewitt explores the origins of the modern home through Eugene and Clare Thaw's generous gift to the museum of 85 19th-century interior watercolors.
On view in the first-floor galleries from Aug. 12 through Jan. 25, 2009, "House Proud" features 71 watercolor drawings, alongside selected objects from the museum's collection of wallpapers, textiles, ceramics and furniture.
"House Proud" explores the concept of the house and its interior spaces as a source of pride, convenience and personal status, which originated in the 19th century as a result of the rising bourgeoisie, the development of a consumer economy, the industrial revolution and the emergence of the woman as guardian of the house.
With this glorification of the home, the commissioning of watercolors to document newly constructed or renovated domestic interiors developed among European royalty, nobility and the upper-middle class.
The drawings-executed by both amateur artists and professional watercolor painters-were collected in albums as heirlooms; presented as gifts to betrothed children or visiting royalty; or displayed in drawing rooms to impress invited company.
more: cooperhewitt.org/EXHIBITIONS/hous... (74)
design directory:
Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum > Design Museums
location:
view on map
August 13, 2008 | Viewed 22,389 time(s)
|
|
