Chief Curator Jordana Pomeroy leads a tour on Member Preview Day

On Member Preview Day for Royalists to Romantics: Women Artists from the Louvre, Versailles, and Other French National Collections, NMWA had wonderful attendance by area members, who enjoyed seeing the works on view and the activities planned through the day. The exhibition, which is getting rave reviews from critics, showcased French Revolution-era artists whose work has rarely been seen outside of France—these portraits, landscapes, history paintings, sculptures, and botanical drawings illuminate the time period and women’s signal contributions to its artwork. Through galleries centered on themes of travel and knowledge, natural history, families, reinventing the past, scandal and power, theater, and working relations, visitors loved the variety of the works on view and appreciated the artists’ skill.

Laura Auricchio discussing "Royalists and Revolutionaries" on Member Preview Day

During a highly attended lecture, “Royalists and Revolutionaries: Women Artists in the French Revolution,” Chair of Humanities and Associate Professor of Art History at The New School Laura Auricchio enlivened the day for visiting members by discussing the social and political dynamics that women artists faced during this tumultuous period.

Celia Reyer beginning her residency project at NMWA

Another exciting event during Member Preview Day was the first in-gallery session of artist-in-residence and womenswear designer Celia Reyer, who is constructing a period-specific Brunswick traveling coat inspired by the fashions in the portraiture in Royalists to Romantics. Reyer will continue to work in the galleries March 4, 11, 18, and 25, and April 1 and 8. Her work-in-progress will be on view throughout the exhibition. Reyer’s Q&A sessions proved popular—she was able to discuss her process and inspiration, adding a new dimension of interest to the exhibition.

Royalists to Romantics is on view through July 29. For additional information about the exhibition and related programming, visit www.nmwa.org.