Beyond the Surface: Capturing Meaning Through Portraiture
September 14, 2024 - May 11, 2025
How do portraits influence our perception of their sitters? What do they communicate about their values and role in society? For centuries portraiture has been a fundamental form of art in the western world. From images of kings and queens to allegorical figures that embody moral values and convey symbolic meaning, portraits document social and political structures of times past. They tell stories, not only of the people represented, but also of their historical context, and of their unique function as objects.
This exhibition brings together a selection of paintings and sculptures by European and American artists from the 16th to the early 20th century. The grouping shows the evolution of artistic styles and techniques, and the historical significance of physical attributes to convey status, wealth, faith, and power. Beyond the obvious visual indicators of social position, these artworks played an important role communicating information about the sitter, reinforcing social or moral values, and shaping perspectives about contemporary society.
Exhibition Tour
April 4 | 11am Join Fred Hicks Curatorial Fellow, Stella Morris, for a tour of selections in Beyond the Surface: Capturing Meaning Through Portraiture continuing at the Museum through May 11, 2025.
Image: William Merritt Chase (American, 1849-1916), Young Woman With Red Flowers, 1904, Oil on canvas, 24 x 17 3/4 in., Gift of Gertrude Lundberg Richards, 1967.19
Tours, Events, and Related Content
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Current Season at Rollins Museum of Art
Explore the Rollins Museum of Art Current Season including intriguing exhibitions, thought-provoking lectures (in person AND virtually), family events, tours in English and Spanish, Art at The Alfond Inn, and more!
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Arte Y Café Con La Curadora
Acompaña a la Dra. Gisela Carbonell, Directora Interina y Curadora, para recorridos guiados en español. Café y pastelillitos provistos por nuestro auspiciador Café Don Juan.
Join Interim Director and Curator Dr. Gisela Carbonell for exhibition tours in Spanish. Coffee and pastries provided by our program sponsor, Café Don Juan.
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360 Degree Virtual Exhibition Views
Take a virtual tour of the Fall 2024 season's exhibitions!
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Saturday Museum Highlights Tours at 1pm & 3pm
Enjoy tours of select works in current exhibitions at the Rollins Museum of art on Saturdays at 1pm and 3pm unless otherwise noted on our Events Page. Tours last approximately 45 minutes. No registration required. Admission is free.
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Audio Guides
Listen to audio guides of museum highlights, art at The Alfond Inn, our Outdoor Sculpture Tour, and more on Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.