MDC’s Art Gallery System to exhibit Michael Hall’s collection of Giambologna at the Freedom Tower
Open Reception on Thurs. Oct. 8. Exhibition runs Oct. 9 – Nov. 21
Hercules and Nessus (1599)
Miami, October 7, 2009 - Miami Dade College’s (MDC) Art Gallery system is once again bringing the best of European art and making it available to South Florida art aficionados. The masterpieces of renowned sculptor Giambologna and the artwork of those influenced by his style will open at the Freedom Tower at MDC on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 6 p.m.
The exhibition is on loan to the college thanks to the generosity of collector Michael Hall, a Renaissance-man, antiquarian, connoisseur, collector and raconteur who makes Miami his home on a part-time basis. Mr. Hall has graciously made this collection of bronzes available for the college.
Giambologna was one of the most important sculptors in Rome during the 16th century. His large-scale works such as the Rape of the Sabine Woman were recreated in smaller scale throughout the 16th and 17th centuries and were collected avidly by kings, ambassadors and other royalty. Giambologna also created masterpieces of religious art and his work adorned many churches and cathedrals throughout Italy. One of the most important works in the exhibition is the freestanding Cristo Morto, attributed for years to Benvenuto Cellini. The gold statuette is only one of the examples in the exhibition of the beautifully designed and executed torso of the figure of Christ.
Other works include medium and small-scale version of Giambologna’s classically- themed statues and statuettes and many examples of his much sought-after depictions in bronze of animals. Giambologna also created miniature portrait busts of the luminaries of his time including one of the legendary artist Michelangelo Buonarotti, Grand - Duke Francesco de’ Medici and his own self-portrait. These were given as gifts to popes and kings. The sculptures adorned the furniture of some of the most famous libraries and houses throughout Europe.
Michael Hall has spent his life studying and collecting art. His genius and eye for finding important works has made him one of the most successful collectors of decorative arts in the United States. This collection of bronzes by Giambologna and his followers represent only a small part of his overall collection which is housed in New York City. Although he has a deep love for the Renaissance and Baroque periods he also has gathered full-scale Buddhist statuary, Colonial silver and the works of modern masters such as Salvador Dalí. His diverse acquisitions encompass his passion for collecting.
Giambologna Exhibit
- WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 8, 6:00 PM - Saturday, Nov. 21, 4:00 PM
- WHERE: Freedom Tower at Miami Dade College, 600 Biscayne Boulevard
- COST: Free
Media-only contacts:
Juan Mendieta, 305-237-7611, jmendiet@mdc.edu, MDC communications director
Cindy J. Irizarry, 305-237-3920, cirizarr@mdc.edu
Alejandro Rios, 305-237-7482, arios1@mdc.edu
Sue Arrowsmith, 305-237-3710, sue.arrowsmith@mdc.edu, media specialist
Tarnell Carroll, 305-237-3359, tcarroll@mdc.edu, Media Specialist