July 10–September 21, 2008
Regenstein Hall Overview: Member Preview Day: July 9 Spectacular and sophisticated, the royal sculptures of the Benin
Kingdom of Nigeria are among the most acclaimed icons of African
art. Yet, despite widespread recognition of its artistic legacy,
the kingdom has never been the focus of a large scale and comprehensive
exhibition. The ambitious project, organized by the Museum
für Völkerkunde, Vienna, will be the first to reunite many of the
greatest Benin works now housed in collections across Europe, the
United Kingdom, the United States, and Nigeria. In the summer of
2008, the Art Institute of Chicago will serve as the exclusive U.S.
venue for this landmark exhibition. The Art Institute's
installation will feature approximately 220 works, including finely
cast bronze figures, altar heads, wall plaques, and staffs of office;
sculpted ivories; royal regalia and jewelry in brass, coral, and
ivory; and other accoutrements of life at court. Planned with the
most prominent scholars of Benin art, history, and culture, as well as
the cooperation of reigning Oba Erediauwa and the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Nigeria, the exhibition will bring
international attention and new perspectives to Benin art.
Altar Group (Aseberia) with Oba Akenzua I and Attendants, 18th century. Nigeria, Benin Kingdom; Edo. Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Ethnologisches Museum, III C 8164. |