Collectors, Commissioners, Curators: Studies in Medieval Art for Stephen N. Fliegel

This volume celebrates the career of Stephen N. Fliegel, former Robert Bergman Curator of Medieval Art at the Cleveland Museum of Art, by showcasing key objects in important medieval collections in North America and Europe. The essays offer insights into curatorial practices and explore themes such as collecting and display, artistic identity, and patronage.

Format: Hardback
Length: 284 pages
Publication date: 06 June 2023
Publisher: De Gruyter

This volume pays tribute to the remarkable career of Stephen N. Fliegel, the esteemed former Robert Bergman Curator of Medieval Art at the Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA). Contributors, all renowned curators in their respective domains, provide valuable insights into curatorial practices by examining key artifacts from some of the most prestigious medieval collections in North America and Europe. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Louvre, the British Museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum, the Getty, the Groeningemuseum, the Morgan Library, Vienna's Kunsthistorisches Museum, and, of course, the CMA, are featured, offering perspectives on the histories of collecting and display, artistic identity, and patronage, with special emphasis on Burgundian art, acquisition histories, and objects in the CMA.

The essays in this volume explore various aspects of curatorial practices, shedding light on the selection, interpretation, and presentation of medieval art. They delve into the historical contexts, artistic influences, and societal significance of these objects, providing a deeper understanding of their cultural and artistic value.

One of the key themes explored in the essays is the history of collecting and display. Curators discuss the motivations behind collecting medieval art, the challenges faced in acquiring and preserving these works, and the strategies employed to showcase them to the public. They explore the role of collectors, museums, and galleries in shaping the narratives and interpretations of medieval art, and how these institutions have contributed to the broader understanding and appreciation of this period.

Another important aspect examined is artistic identity. Curators explore the unique artistic styles, techniques, and themes that characterize medieval art, and how these works reflect the cultural, social, and religious beliefs of the time. They discuss the influence of different regions, such as Burgundy, on medieval art, and how artists and patrons contributed to the development of artistic traditions.

Patronage is also a central theme in the essays. Curators examine the role of wealthy individuals, religious institutions, and royal families in supporting the production and display of medieval art. They explore the complex relationships between artists, patrons, and the institutions they worked with, and how these relationships shaped the artistic output and the cultural significance of medieval art.

The essays in this volume offer a wealth of information and insights into curatorial practices, providing valuable perspectives for both scholars and practitioners in the field of medieval art. They showcase the remarkable achievements of Stephen N. Fliegel and his colleagues in preserving and promoting this rich cultural heritage, and serve as a testament to the enduring power and beauty of medieval art.

In conclusion, this volume celebrates the remarkable career of Stephen N. Fliegel and provides a valuable contribution to the field of medieval art. By examining key objects from some of the most prestigious collections in North America and Europe, the essays offer insights into curatorial practices, artistic identity, and patronage. They shed light on the historical contexts, artistic influences, and societal significance of medieval art, and contribute to the broader understanding and appreciation of this fascinating period.

Weight: 716g
Dimension: 230 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501521102