Prepare to be captivated as Hamilton Gallery opens its doors to a breathtaking display of rare and iconic artworks in Emerging From Darkness: Faith, Emotion and The Body in the Baroque. Showcasing a curated collection of over 70 masterpieces from esteemed artists such as Artemisia Gentileschi, Peter Paul Rubens, Bartolomeo Manfredi, Guercino, Lavinia Fontana, Sofonisba Anguissola, and Valentin de Boulogne, this exhibition is an unprecedented opportunity to witness the brilliance of the baroque era.
In a groundbreaking collaboration with the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), as well as loans from the National Gallery of Australia (NGA) and private lenders across the country, Hamilton Gallery brings together these extraordinary artworks for the very first time. Prepare to be immersed in the rich tapestry of baroque art, where faith, emotion, and the human body intertwine.
Stepping into the gallery, you will find yourself transported to a world of artistic expression and profound beauty. Emerging From Darkness not only showcases esteemed historical pieces, but also presents contemporary artists, Robyn Stacey and Angela Tiatia, who continue to embrace the baroque style today. Witness the harmonious blend of past and present, where centuries-old works resonate with striking relevance.
This ambitious exhibition, one of the largest ever held in regional Australia, delves deep into the transformative power of the baroque movement that reshaped the course of art at the turn of the 17th Century. Through meticulous curation by Laurie Benson, Curator of International Art at NGV, Dr David Marshall, Assoc. Prof. at University of Melbourne Culture & Communications, Dr Lisa Beaven, Senior Research Fellow at La Trobe University, and Ian Brilley, Exhibitions and Collections Coordinator at Hamilton Gallery, Emerging From Darkness offers unparalleled insights into the world of baroque art.
Prepare to be mesmerized by the highlights of this magnificent show. Among the exquisite artworks, you will find paintings by 17th Century female artists who courageously reinterpret experiences of violence and turmoil, while simultaneously championing messages of empowerment. Look out for the unveiling of Lucretia (1630-5, Italy) by Artemisia Gentileschi, a masterpiece that speaks volumes about the resilience and strength of women.
Another remarkable loan from the National Gallery of Australia is the Self-portrait (1623, Belgium) by the legendary Peter Paul Rubens. As one of the most influential baroque artists of the 17th Century, Rubens left an indelible mark on the art world through his religious and mythological paintings, royal portraits, evocative landscapes, and dramatic battle scenes.
The Martyrdom of St Lawrence by Spanish painter Jusepe de Ribera, on loan from the NGV, embodies the unbridled naturalistic approach that defines baroque art’s treatment of religious themes. Prepare to be moved by an artist who fearlessly embraced realism, breathing life into his subjects with astonishing skill.
Emerging From Darkness is not just an exhibition; it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that beckons both locals and visitors to the Southern Grampians region. Supported by the Victoria Government’s Regional Events Fund through Visit Victoria, this remarkable showcase promises to leave an indelible impression on all who enter its hallowed halls.
Don’t miss your chance to immerse yourself in the world of baroque art. Step into Hamilton Gallery and witness the unveiling of rare and iconic artworks that have shaped the course of history. Let the baroque masters ignite your imagination, as their vivid imagery, profound emotions, and artistic genius transport you to a realm where faith, beauty, and the human spirit converge.