In The Press: our latest exhibition
A Financial Times review has heaped praise on Christ Church Picture Gallery's latest exhibition – Drawing in Colour. The display, curated by Curatorial Assistant Elania Pieragostini, brings together works from Christ Church’s permanent collection to explore how the masters of the Renaissance and the Baroque incorporated colour into the medium of drawing.
Through more than 30 drawings, Drawing in Colour offers spectators insight into how and when colour enters an artist’s creative process and for what reasons the masters of the Renaissance and the Baroque chose to incorporate colour into the medium of drawing. As the Financial Times' Chief Art Critic Jackie Wullschläger explains, this theme offers the perfect 'excuse to display both decorative beauty and original experimentation.'
In her FT review, Wullschläger delights in Christ Church's 'small, choice exhibition', and praises how it 'pulls out some less familiar drawings in Christ Church's stellar collection, alongside celebrated names' such as Jordaens and Tintoretto.
Among the most esteemed artists whose work appears in the exhibition is Federico Barocci (1535–1612). Two of his heads of children are on display, each offering 'soft, iridescent depictions, sensuous yet ethereal, where colour allows a range of tones and textures.'
There is marvellous variety here, of emotional tenor and of securely documented works coexisting with wild cards.
There is marvellous variety here, of emotional tenor and of securely documented works coexisting with wild cards.
Wullschläger remarks on the skillful pairing of works in the Christ Church exhibition, noting the 'marvellous variety ... of emotional tenor and of securely documented works coexisting with wild cards.' Drawing in Colour, she explains, has something to offer to all spectators: 'Previous visitors to Christ Church will appreciate the chance to encounter fresh things. For newcomers, the show is a lovely introduction to the Picture Gallery and its eclectic holdings: Annibale Caracci's "The Butcher Shop" with its flayed carcasses, which until the mid-20th century hung in the college kitchen; John Riley's weather-beaten "A Scullion of Christ Church", one of the earliest servant portraits; Filippino Lippi's affecting "The Wounded Centaur".'
Drawing in Colour continues until 22 January. Visit the Christ Church Picture Gallery web page to learn more about our collections and opening hours.
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