1878, William Merritt Chase, In the Baptistry of St. Mark's, Venice -- Smithsonian American Art Museum (Washington) (special exhibition)
From the exhibition label: In a dimly lit corner of St. Mark’s Basilica, a sexton (church caretaker) polishes silver lamps and candlesticks for use above the altar. Tourists and artists visiting the massive Byzantine church admired its architecture, patterned stone pavements, interior mosaic cycles, and, as seen here, the antique objects preserved and used there. Chase suggests the pleasures of both observing and touching these treasures, expressing reverence for their materials, artistry, age, and sacred functions. Venetian glassmakers produced replicas of some of the finest antiques in St. Mark’s, offering visitors an opportunity to share in this tactile experience.
1878, William Merritt Chase, In the Baptistry of St. Mark's, Venice -- Smithsonian American Art Museum (Washington) (special exhibition)
From the exhibition label: In a dimly lit corner of St. Mark’s Basilica, a sexton (church caretaker) polishes silver lamps and candlesticks for use above the altar. Tourists and artists visiting the massive Byzantine church admired its architecture, patterned stone pavements, interior mosaic cycles, and, as seen here, the antique objects preserved and used there. Chase suggests the pleasures of both observing and touching these treasures, expressing reverence for their materials, artistry, age, and sacred functions. Venetian glassmakers produced replicas of some of the finest antiques in St. Mark’s, offering visitors an opportunity to share in this tactile experience.