Opening Day
The Artist Abroad
Sunday, May 7 | 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Enjoy the museum’s newest exhibition, The Artist Abroad.
In the decades following the U.S. Civil War, many American artists eagerly flocked to Europe’s great art centers, seeking inspiration, patronage, and formal artistic training. Traversing the continent and frequently settling in cities throughout Europe and the Mediterranean region, these artists honed their formal techniques, drawing upon the richness of Europe’s architecture, ancient ruins, and regional distinctions.
The Artist Abroad explores the artworks of American artists who traveled throughout France and Italy and, later, locations further south, including Spain, Greece, North Africa, and the region referred to as the Holy Lands – a route originally established by 17th and 18th-century travelers as part of The Grand Tour. This exhibition features paintings, prints, and drawings from the Huntsville Museum of Art’s permanent collection, including artworks from the Sellars Collection of female artists, as well as historic works by Old Master painters and sculptures that many American artists sought out while traveling. The Artist Abroad also includes a selection of contemporary photographs by members of the Huntsville Photographic Society that represent notions of modern-day tourism.
This exhibition is organized by the Huntsville Museum of Art.