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FRAME|WORK: Hyacinthe-Gabrielle Roland by Elisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun

Posted by Sarah Bailey Hogarty on August 3, 2011

FRAME|WORK is a weekly blog series that highlights an artwork in the Museums' permanent collections. This week, we feature a sumptuous portrait of an 18th-century beauty painted by Elisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun in the wake of the French Revolution. The lovely Hyacinthe is currently on view in Gallery 16 at the Legion of Honor!

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Every Which Way But Up

Posted by Sarah Bailey Hogarty on August 2, 2011

When installing a painting or sculpture for exhibition, determining the correct orientation of the work is (perhaps obviously) paramount. When discussing modern art, a seemingly simple question like “Which side is up?” can become much more complicated; and occasionally when dealing with abstract art, this determination can be downright perplexing.

Two paintings recently reinstalled in Gallery 50 at the de Young have raised this question for years. Since they first arrived at the Museums, Georgia O’Keeffe’s Petunias and Arthur Dove’s Sea Gull Motive have puzzled viewers and art historians alike.

Georgia O'Keeffe (American, 1887–1986). Petunias, 1925. Oil on hardboard panel. Museum purchase, gift of the M. H. de Young Family. 1990.55. © Georgia O'Keeffe Museum

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Will Work for Art: Ann Hedges

Posted by Sarah Bailey Hogarty on July 28, 2011

"Will Work for Art" takes you behind the scenes to meet the people who make the Fine Arts Museums work. This week we take you into the whimsical world of the Flower Committee, where we meet artist Ann Hedges. Originally from New York City, Ann has been volunteering with the Museums for fifteen years.

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FRAME|WORK: Mantelpiece for Thurlow Lodge by the Herter Brothers

Posted by Sarah Bailey Hogarty on July 27, 2011

FRAME|WORK is a weekly blog series that highlights an artwork in the Museums' permanent collections. This week, we feature an extraordinary piece of American decorative art, the Mantelpiece for Thurlow Lodge, currently installed in Gallery 23 at the de Young.

Gustave Herter (American, 1830–1898) and Christian Herter (American, 1839–1883). Mantlepiece for Thurlow Lodge, Menlo Park, California, ca. 1872–1873. Wood, marble, antlers, and clock. Gift of James George and Penny Coulter. 2001.33a-i

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Follow that Art! Balcomb Greene's "Six-Sided Planes" Is Finally on View

Posted by Sarah Bailey Hogarty on July 26, 2011

For the past six weeks, we have followed the progress of Balcomb Greene's Six-Sided Planes through the museum on its way to exhibition. We began tracking the painting's journey when it first entered the Fine Arts Museums via the registration department. It then went on to paintings conservation for a makeover before heading on to the Board of Trustees for final approval. Next it re-entered the registration department for final acquisition, after which it was photographed for record-keeping purposes. And last week, we learned about the work's art historical context and significance from the American art department's curatorial perspective. Now, after all the research, preparation, and planning, Six-Sided Planes is finally on display in Wilsey Court!

Art technician Paul Tavian wheels the painting through Wilsey Court.

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FRAME|WORK: The Juno Ballgown by Christian Dior

Posted by Sarah Bailey Hogarty on July 20, 2011

FRAME|WORK is a weekly blog series that highlights an artwork in the Museums' permanent collections. This week, we feature a fabulous ballgown designed by fashion icon Christian Dior. This garment is currently not on display, so we offer you this exclusive online viewing!

Christian Dior (French, 1905–1957). Ballgown (Juno), 1949. Silk tulle embroidered with sequins with silk faille inner skirt; horsehair stiffening. Gift of I. Magnin & Company. 49.25.2a–b

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