Henri Gascard (1635–1701) France. Louise de Kéroualle, Duchess of Portsmouth c1670 (detail). Oil on canvas. Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, gift of Mrs Maxwell Richmond, 1952

Angels & Aristocrats 2012. Installation view, Dunedin Public Art Gallery

William Hodges (1744–1797) England Sawrey Gilpin (1733–1807) England. Two Tigers in a Rocky Landscape. Oil on panel. Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, purchased 1957

Angels & Aristocrats 2012. Installation view, Dunedin Public Art Gallery

Pieter Brueghel the Younger (1564–1638) Flanders. A Village Fair (Village Festival in Honour of Saint Hubert and Saint Anthony) Oil on panel. Mackelvie Trust Collection, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, purchased by the Mackelvie Trust, 1961

Angels & Aristocrats 2012. Installation view, Dunedin Public Art Gallery

Zanobi Machiavelli (1418/19–1479) Italy. Madonna and Child c1452. Tempera on panel. Dunedin Public Art Gallery, gift of Mary, Dora and Esmond de Beer, 1973

Angels & Aristocrats 2012. Installation view, Dunedin Public Art Gallery

Angels & Aristocrats

Early European Art in New Zealand Public Collections

28 April 2012 - 16 September 2012

History is filled with the sound of silken slippers going downstairs and wooden shoes coming up. – Voltaire

THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW ZEALAND’S PUBLIC COLLECTIONS began in the 19th century. While early benefactors had the grand collections of Europe as models, they also believed in the philosophy of education for all. Even in fledgling cities, art was seen as a defining marker of culture. Two World Wars brought greater exposure to Europe, and astute international advisors in the mid-20th century ensured that collections acquired wisely.

Yet attitudes to the works in Angels & Aristocrats have been chequered – at times perceived as the jewels in an institutional crown, and at others as outmoded symbols of a culture now irrelevant to our emerging local and national identity in the Pacific. Attitudes have changed in today’s global society, allowing us to celebrate these collections as a rich and exciting reflection of history.

An Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki touring exhibtion

View the exhibition labels – click here

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