art institute of chicago

art institute of chicago

Exploring the Evolution of Art at the Art Institute of Chicago

1. Introduction to the Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago begins its exploration of world art during a time in history when humankind is considered to have developed to the point, almost seven thousand years ago, when records begin. For most students just beginning formal art or architecture education, Metropolitan or French Museums and the Louvre are such an awesome introduction that many students scarcely get to the other eleven or so that usually make such itineraries. The Art Institute of Chicago is located in that Gold Coast mecca of Lake Shore Drive in Grant Park where the 1893 Columbian Exposition produced for Chicago the epithet “White City.” From the Grand staircase to the Flentrop organ, the Watson and Teller and the Cannon Gould Memorial Court, the Chicago Stock Exchange trading room, Frank Lloyd Wright’s cabinet rooms, the Tiffany rooms with their fabulous mosaics and leaded glass window, the Rembrandt room with its more than 25 etchings, the Italian, Dutch and American decorative arts in more than 44 rooms and galleries, world art may be said to begin with the Art Institute’s 5,000-year-old Pharaoh Sarcophagus Reliefs and its 3,500-year-old Egyptian mummy case. These stand in the Grand Staircase, third floor. In the James Simpson Theatre, you may watch a variety of Art Institute introductory films.

2. Key Art Movements and Masterpieces in the Institute’s Collection

Then march forward in the rooms dedicated to the romantic movement where Boilly’s didactic pictures will disappear beneath the greatness of the period that celebrated the glorification of humanity’s landscape. As you gape at the giants, past the romantic realism of Goya’s psychological portray, the beauty of Delacroix’s vivid palette, the shadows of Gericault and the genius of Gustave Moreau, you will feel the artist’s breath on your neck. Among the many masterpieces of these rooms, pay special attention to Bocklin’s ‘Isle of the Dead: eerie and enchanting at the time, it is powerful and disturbing to our eyes.

Do you enjoy your art neoclassical or romantic? The Art Institute is renowned for its fine collection of European paintings made from the 17th through to the 19th century. View the neoclassical period through the great masterpieces by Sir Joshua Reynolds who revolutionized painting, the talent of Vigee LeBrun, and the elegance of Ingres. Walk past silent, reverent and occasionally weeping faces to admire the life-size Flemish portraits and the Italianate landscapes. Time will stand still and you may dive into this quieter movement of European art in the paintings depicting the quiet life of the Dutch bourgeoisie, the tranquil neoclassical British landscapes, and the timeless elegance of the French early 19th-century aristocracy.

3. Impact of the Art Institute of Chicago on the Art World

Its importance cannot be understated. It is the second-oldest and the fifth-largest art museum in the United States. Containing works of art from a wholly diverse array of American and European paintings, sculptures, photographs, prints, decorative arts, textiles, armor and weaponry. As we found out, in exploring this immense and sprawling collection, questions of import rear up almost immediately. What impact do theories of artistic evolution possess about the works of art we are asked to look at? The very way in which we are asked to judge these works of art, well beyond stylistic history and the famous names of western artists, has a somewhat interesting origin within our own collection at the Art Institute of Chicago.

The Art Institute of Chicago has an enormous and wide-reaching collection. Possessing objects that span not only thousands of years, the size of the globe and countless individual cultures, the breadth and depth of Chicago’s art museum lends it a particular kind of influence. To simplify, imagine visiting only three art schools and every student being required to create a piece of art. Now imagine that out of those three schools, one of them was a fashion school. If you were then asked to critique the work in such a way that it could then be collected for future study within the world’s next most important global museum for clothing, you might then begin to understand just how important the Art Institute’s influence is on the art world today.

4. Innovative Exhibitions and Programs at the Institute

Guided tours are also available to the public. To reach younger audiences, the Art Institute holds family events that are designed for children and their parents or guardians. Families are provided with a tour of the museum, art workshops, refreshments, and the opportunity to participate in the educational programs. These innovative programs and exhibitions make the Art Institute of Chicago a popular and educational destination for all ages. Since the Art Institute of Chicago opened in 1893, it has brought the love of art to all ages. The Art Institute’s collection presents students as well as art enthusiasts the opportunity to explore the world of art. By offering programs to students, teachers, and the public, the Institute provides educational and social opportunities for establishing a framework that is fun and informative.

One of the reasons the Art Institute has been such a success is its dedication to serving everyone. By offering unique programs and exhibitions like Gallery Walks and programs for families, the Art Institute has been extremely successful in reaching different audiences. Gallery Walks unite members and visitors in exchanging opinions and ideas about art while learning how to look at art. In addition to the Gallery Walks, interpretive materials are also available free of charge to visitors who want to explore the collection on their own.