Wadsworth Atheneum Art Museum acquires rare 14th-century Italian painting

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Wadsworth Atheneum Art Museum acquires rare 14th-century Italian painting


The Wadsworth Atheneum’s latest acquisition, a superb 14th-century Italian painting entitled The Crucifixion resinsreshaping the art scene in Hartford.

BY ARTCENTRON NEWS

HARTFORD, Conn. – THE Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art added the Crucifixion resins (around 1350) to his collection. This rare 14th-century Italian painting is hailed as an important work in the north of the country. Italian artreflecting the transformative influence of Giotto and his disciples. If the identity of the artist remains a mystery, the Veronese painter Altichiero is a serious candidate for attribution.

Dr. Keith Christiansen, curator emeritus at Metropolitan Museum of Artunderlined the importance of the painting. “The Rasini Crucifixion is one of the most important trecento works to enter the market in recent decades,” he said. “Despite its modest size, it embodies the narrative depth and emotional resonance of a large fresco. »

Crucifixion resins: Innovative representation of Christ on the cross

The artist’s innovative depiction of Christ on the cross features remarkable sculptural qualities, an abstract landscape and dynamic composition. Christ is isolated against a shimmering gold background, while below the figures express a range of emotions. The artist’s unique use of foreshortened halos adds depth, emphasizing the dramatic storytelling inherent in the piece.

“This work is a stunning addition to our collection,” said Dr. Matthew Hargraves, director of the Wadsworth Atheneum. “It is in excellent condition and has remarkable provenance, dating back to the heirs of Giovanni Rasini. We are incredibly lucky to own such an important ancient Italian painting.

Significance of the rare 14th-century Italian masterpiece

THE Crucifixion resins is the first Italian trecento work acquired by the museum since 1951, when it purchased the work by Niccolò di Buonaccorso. Annunciation. Nicholas Hall, director of a Old Master gallery, underlined its importance: “This multifigurative story carries immense gravity and drama. The Wadsworth Atheneum’s recent leadership has firmly established it as a key player in the acquisition of early modern European art.

In recognition of his long service, the Wadsworth Atheneum Board of Trustees dedicated the painting to former President David W. Dangremond. Since joining the board in 1992, Dangremond has played a crucial role in the development of the museum, including overseeing a major renovation and expanding its collections.

Founded in 1842, the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art is home to nearly 50,000 works spanning 5,000 years, showcasing European art from ancient times to the present, as well as American masterpieces. Its five distinct buildings feature varied architectural styles.

This acquisition not only enriches the museum’s collection, but also highlights its ongoing commitment to preserving and promoting important works of art in Hartford and beyond.

The Master of the Crucifixion Rasini (Active Lombardy, mid-14th century) Altichiero? (Italian, 1330-before 1393), The Rasini Crucifixion, c. 1350. Tempera on panel. 52 x 33 cm (20.5 x 13 inches). The Ella Gallup Sumner and Mary Catlin Sumner Collection Fund. Dedicated to David W. Dangremond in appreciation for his decades of dedicated service to the Wadsworth Atheneum as a Trustee, Chair of the Curatorial Committee, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, 2024.22.1.


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