WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — "On the Horizon: Art and Atmosphere in the Nineteenth Century" examines how artists and image makers incorporated new scientific and technological understandings of the atmosphere into their works and creative practices. 

 

The exhibition is on view in the Eugene V. Thaw Gallery of the Clark's Manton Research Center Nov. 19, 2022 through Feb. 12, 2023.

 

"The notion of creating an exhibition about something you cannot necessarily see, but which engages many other senses, is particularly intriguing," said Olivier Meslay, Hardymon Director of the Clark. "We think this project will provide a surprising and provocative look at the many ways in which artists worked out the challenges of portraying atmosphere and, in some cases, used the atmosphere as a muse throughout their careers. John Constable, for instance, is revered for his cloud studies, while artists like Honoré Daumier ingeniously found ways to capture the effects of wind in an immediately recognizable way. We are impressed by the work that Rebecca Szantyr did in creating an exhibition that is playful, informative, and imaginative."

 

On Saturday, Nov. 19, at 11 am, the Clark Art Institute hosts a lecture by Rebecca Szantyr in conjunction with the opening of "On the Horizon: Art and Atmosphere in the Nineteenth Century."

 

Szantyr is the exhibition curator and a former curatorial assistant for works on paper at the Clark. In the talk, Szantyr discusses the exhibition's major themes and moments and how artists integrated scientific developments with pictorial invention as they worked to portray atmospheric effects. The free talk is presented live via Zoom. 

 

Free; advance registration is required for the Zoom transmission. Registrants will receive an email with a private Zoom link to this live virtual program before the event. For more information and to register, visit clarkart.edu/events