Clark's Collection of French Etchings on View
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Images of everyday urban and rural life flourished in France during the 1860s and 1870s. The exhibition "Realism's Edge" at the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute features a dozen etchings that exist on the edge of original and reproductive, real and inventive, sketchy and descriptive, while chronicling the romanticized worker and celebrating leisurely pursuits. "Realism's Edge" is on view through Oct. 12.Works created during the etching revival in France evidence the technical and societal shifts that balanced representation with spontaneity and sought to idealize rustic labor as industrialization threatened to destroy it. Artists Felix Bracquemond and Edouard Manet embraced etching (made by incising a wax-covered plate with a sharp needle) as a medium particularly suited to painters and promoted it to expand their reputations.
The dozen works in the exhibition include etchings by Manet, James Tissot, Alphonse Legros, Bracquemond, Théodule Ribot, Ludovic Lepic and Jules Bastien-Lepage. The exhibition is curated by Jay A. Clarke, the newly appointed Manton curator of prints, drawings and photographs at the Clark.
Sterling and Francine Clark amassed some 500 drawings and 1,400 prints that formed the basis for a department devoted to works on paper — now the department of prints, drawings, and photographs — spanning the history of the graphic arts from the 15th century through the mid-20th century. The collection now numbers around 5,000 works on paper.
Etchings dating from the 16th to early 20th century comprise the largest group. The Clark's collection of photographs dates from the invention of photography to the early 20th century and now comprises nearly 1,000. Works on paper may be viewed by appointment in the department's study room. To arrange a visit, call 413-458-2303, Ext. 360.
The Clark is located at 225 South St. The galleries are open 10 to 5 daily through August. Admission through Oct. 31 is $12.50 for adults, free for children 18 and younger, members, and students with valid ID. For more information, call 413-458-2303 or visit clarkart.edu.
