The Archdukes Albert and Isabella Visiting a Collector’s Cabinet, ca. 1621-1623. Hieronymus Fracken II (1578-1623) and Jan Brueghel the Elder (1568-1625). Oil on panel. 37 x 48 9/16 in. The Walters Art Museum, Museum purchase, 1948, 37.2010
Folk and native arts have inspired a number of art movements and styles throughout history, including Exoticism, Orientalism, Japonisme, Primitivism and Cubism. However, the imitation, display and depiction of such people and their art has often been a contentious topic in the art world. Items ranging from African masks to Shaker furniture were originally created for a purpose—i.e. ritual or practical use—with no intention or desire that they be displayed in a museum. Although museum accession is one of the highest accolades for most Western artists, it can be seen as a great disservice to those outside of this culture. (more…)
