The second-floor Lewis Gallery at the Figge Art Museum has on view “Art Nouveau Amphora.” The exhibition opened Saturday, January 19, 2019, and will be on display through Sunday, June 16. Organized by the Figge Art Museum, it features works from several private collections. In-kind support for the exhibition is provided by members of Amphora Collectors International. The location is 225 W. Second Street, Davenport, IA.
Art Nouveau–the “new Art”–emerged in the late 19th century. It is recognized for the use of curvilinear forms, inspired by nature, and a focus on aesthetic beauty. Developing out of the Aesthetic Movement, Art Nouveau gained international popularity and influenced art, architecture, illustration, and decorative arts.
During this period, Louis Comfort Tiffany and his studios created stained glass windows and iridescent art glass. In Turn-Teplitz, Austria, now part of the Czech Republic, the manufacturer Riessner, Stellmacher, and Kessel (RSt&K) produced distinctive art pottery. They were later called Amphora.
Amphora’s elaborate creations ranged from the elegant to the bizarre and often were finished with striking glazes and gold accents. Some artisans sculpted mythical beasts, while others decorated vessels with images of beautiful women.
While Amphora is best known for their pottery in the Art Nouveau style, they produced a range of work, demonstrating shifting tastes and artistic styles during the era.
Family Day, Saturday, February 23, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with special activities for the entire family, inspired by the current exhibitions. There will be free admission all day.
Exhibition and Collection Highlights Tours,
- 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays, February 23; March 9 and 23; April 13 and 27; May 4
- 1:30 p.m. Sundays, February 24; March 10 and 24; April 14 and 28; May 5.
Author/Collector Talk, Bryon Vreeland will speak about the exhibition at 6:30 p.m., on Thursday, May 2.
Dragons were a popular visual theme.
