During the period spanning the turn of the century, Paris, one of the most vibrant cities in the world, experienced an explosion in print media. Now-familiar artists – Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Pierre Bonnard, and others – made names for themselves producing ephemera such as posters, journal illustrations, theatre programs, and advertisements.  Drawn from the Robert L. Haskins and Erwin A. Raible Collection of Fin-de-Siécle Prints in the GVSU Print and Drawing Cabinet, Carnivals, Cognac and Cycling provides a view into the visual culture of late nineteenth century France, with special attention given to entertainment, advertising, and popular activities in Paris.

Over the 2019 winter semester (January-April), fourteen GVSU students conducted research for this exhibition in the Modern Art and Modernity course, taught by Assistant Professor Ellen Adams (Art Gallery/Frederik Meijer Honors College). Each student “adopted” one work of art for in-depth study, produced original research, and presented their findings to their classmates and now to the university as a whole.

Resources

To learn more about the history of artwork in 19th century France check out these resources:

• Check out our learning module about Fin de Siecle French prints
• See more French Prints in the Art Collection database
• View the Art Gallery's previous exhibition, Les Nabis: French Prophets of Modern Art, A Selection from the Robert L. Hoskins and Erwin A. Raible Collection of Fin de Sicle French Prints. A Gift of Elaine Rutowski Shay

Location:

November 2, 2020 - March 5, 2021

Eberhard Gallery
L.V. Eberhard Center
301 W Fulton St
Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Gallery hours are reflective of Eberhard Center, including changes made due to semester, holiday, or campus-wide event.