adminThe Old Masters is a term coined to define and categorise European artists working before 1800 and whose work was characterised by extreme skills and a certain canons of beauty.
According to the exhibition organiser, Lillian Chaonwa, “the term is regularly engaged by galleries and auction houses to brand and separate the Great European artists from the famous painters of the Modern era”.
The Old Masters often worked under the supervision of guilds and collectives – and were often commissioned by the state, clergy or commercial patrons to produce art, mainly portraiture for the veneration of their patrons.
The old Master period reflects a very volatile period in European history as the ensuing Renaissance periods marked major changes in European socio-political and artistic history then.
Whilst there are a few prints exhibited from the modern European era – for the Zimbabwean layman, novice arts journalists and art student the exhibition is a good way to begin appreciating the history of art and the development of different styles of portraiture and social documentary.
Still pertinent today. Such exhibitions should be accompanied by guided tours and lectures for the benefit of art education in Zimbabwe.
- Dr Tony Monda holds a PhD in Art Theory and Philosophy and a DBA (Doctorate of Business Administration) in Post-Colonial Heritage Studies. He is a writer, art critic, practising artist and corporate image consultant.
Online Reporter