Morris, exhibition co-curator and Sylvia and Leonard Marx Director of Exhibitions and Curator of Decorative Arts. “Tracking down the location of all of these objects, and researching their fascinating histories, has been immensely exciting and rewarding,” said Kathleen M. Marquand’s collections filled his house, which included a series of rooms dedicated to separate artistic cultures or styles, each featuring interiors designed by leading artists and craftsmen to complement displays of original works of art. The Met’s imposing portrait of Marquand by John Singer Sargent (American, 1856–1925), which affirmed the sitter as a prominent member of late-nineteenth century New York society, is featured in the Clark’s exhibition. He donated many works of art to the Met during his life, often buying specifically for that purpose. Henry Marquand was one of the founders of The Metropolitan Museum of Art and acted as its second president. “We look forward to giving our visitors the experience of stepping back in time to marvel at one of the most extraordinary artistic collaborations of the late nineteenth century.” “Exhibition co-curators Kathleen Morris and Alexis Goodin have brought back to life one of the great interiors of Gilded Age New York,” said Olivier Meslay, Felda and Dena Hardymon Director of the Clark. In addition to objects from the original music room, the exhibition includes paintings, preparatory drawings, books, and photographs that provide background and context for the project. On view June 4–September 4, 2017, the exhibition examines the music room and its objects from a number of perspectives, including how the commission unfolded and why Alma-Tadema was chosen to design the interior in a Greco-Pompeian style the contributions of other artists, such as Frederic, Lord Leighton (English, 1830–96) and Sir Edward Poynter (English, 1836–1919) the aesthetic impact of the finished furniture and room and the history of the piano. The Clark’s ornately decorated Steinway piano, acquired in 1997, is the centerpiece of the exhibition.

Orchestrating Elegance: Alma-Tadema and Design reunites twelve of nineteen pieces from the original furniture suite, along with paintings, ceramics, textiles, and sculpture from the room for the first time since Marquand’s estate was auctioned in 1903. Williamstown, Massachusetts-As resurgent interest in Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema (British, born Netherlands 1836–1912) raises appreciation and interest in his work for a new generation, the Clark Art Institute offers new insight into one of the painter’s most successful and distinctive artistic endeavors-the design of a music room for the New York mansion of financier, art collector, and philanthropist Henry Gurdon Marquand (1819–1902). Summer 2017 exhibition includes furniture, paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts

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