Prints of Old Masters Leave an Impression
The Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art offers a unique history lesson, blending prints from 16th to 18th century Old Masters with a few modern and contemporary works in its latest online exhibition available through Nov. 7. “Making a Fine Impression: Prints from the Faith and Dewayne Perry Collection” includes more than a dozen videos of Westmont experts describing a particular piece in the exhibition, which can be viewed at westmont.edu/museum/fine-impression.
“Dewayne and Faith Perry have been long-time supporters and friends of the museum,” says Judy Larson, R. Anthony Askew professor of art history and museum director. “The breadth and quality of their collection makes it the perfect tool to educate students on history, Old and New Testament stories, and printmaking. We’re grateful to the Perrys for sharing these prints with us and for sponsoring the catalog, which accompanies the exhibition.”
The virtual show includes works by more than 50 artists, including Rembrandt van Rijn, Albrecht Dürer, Hendrick Goltzius, Peter Paul Rubens, Sir Anthony van Dyck and Lucas Vorsterman.
Faith and Dewayne Perry, who graduated from Westmont in 1962, are knowledgeable and passionate about many different subjects, including the humanities, science, music and the fine arts. They began collecting decorative arts from the American Federal period (1790-1830), which blossomed into collections of ceramics, pastel landscape paintings by Texas artists, musical scores and rare books.
The exhibition highlights their print collection of 16th to 18th century Old Master prints created in the Netherlands, Italy, France, Germany and England. As their collection grew, they expanded it to include etching revival prints as well as a few modern and contemporary works.
The museum is offering private viewings by prior appointment through the museum office at museum@westmont.edu or (805) 565-6162.