Twenty students and two adults took part in the Bridgeport High School Art Club’s annual visit to the Denver Art Museum on Thursday, January 5. Students earned their way by selling butter braids, Christmas basket raffle tickets, and working at the concession stand.
The exhibit they saw this year was the US debut of the Flemish artworks, Saints, Sinners, Lovers, and fools: 300 Years of Flemish Masterworks. Many pieces have never been viewed by the public before.The unique presentation of medieval, Renaissance, and baroque paintings, sculptures, and other objects from the southern Netherlands include works by Hans Memling, Jan Gossaert, Jan and Catharina van Hemessen, Peter Paul Rubens, Jacob Jordaens, and Anthony van Dyck. According to the Denver gallery, “Saints, Sinners, Lovers, and Fools offers a look into the specific subjects and styles adopted by artists in the Southern Netherlands between the 15th and 17th centuries, providing important connections to the society and culture of the time. These works depict a rapidly changing world through unique styles, subjects, and techniques, offering insight into the past and the chance to create parallels to our world today.”
Of the trip, junior Kaylee Barnett said, “My absolute favorite thing about the museum was seeing the “Hayagriva Mandala” made by three monks.We were so lucky to see the exhibit.” Fellow junior Rachel Lang said, “My favorite piece in the art museum was called Black Bears by William Herbert Dunton.The best part about the trip was being around my friends and looking at all the pieces of art together.”
