HAA 271x The Origins of Modernity: The "New" 18th Century Rotation #1: Large Niche (S426A) Spring 2011

Accompanying a course of the same name taught by Ewa Lajer-Burcharth, William Dorr Boardman Professor of Fine Arts at Harvard University, this installation explores how and why the 18th century has been defined as the inaugurating moment for modern art and visual culture. The two rotations feature drawings and prints by French artists including François Boucher, Charles-Joseph Natoire, Pierre-Paul Prud’hon, and Antoine Watteau. The first rotation focuses on training, technical procedures, and conceptual models that shaped artistic practice and self-understanding (January 14–March 5, 2011). The second considers the image of the body and changing approaches to its representation and meaning (March 11–June 18, 2011).

This installation accompanies an undergraduate course in Harvard University’s Department of History of Art and Architecture (HAA) and features a select group of objects from the Harvard Art Museums’ collections. Coordinated by Amy Brauer, Diane Heath Beever Curator of the Collection, Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art, Harvard Art Museums.

The installation is made possible by funding from the Gurel Student Exhibition Fund.