Treasures

The Chicago Art Institute is such an incredible place to explore and see some amazing treasures! There are the framed works of art that you expect to see in an art museum, but there is so much more!

"The Basket of Apples" was painted around 1893 by Paul Cézanne

Purple White and Red by American artist Mark Ruthko1953. Ruthko's art is associated with the American abstract expressionism movement of modern art.

There are also treasures such as this magnificent 17th-century French casket or strongbox from the reign of King Louis XIV (The "Sun King"). Strongboxes were used to carry important documents or sometimes a ladies jewels. ​

The accompanying text says. ​"17th-century France became a dominant European power. It explains that during the reign of King Louis XIV, also known as the "Sun King," France rose as a major cultural, diplomatic, and military force. This was due in part to the king's ambitious art and design..."

This particular gaming set, is believed to have been a gift to the Russian Imperial Court, possibly to Empress Anna Ivanovna (reigned 1730–1740).

The plaque says

Gaming Set, Probably Made for the Russian Court" "Du Paquier Porcelain Manufactory (active 1719–44)"

"Enameled and gilded hard-paste [porcelain]"

Card games popular at the time in Russia were Preferans (Преферанс) (the name means "preference" in English. . It was played with a 32-card deck (lacking sixes) and involved bidding.
​Whist A trick-taking game that was extremely popular in high society throughout Europe, and was a forerunner of Bridge.
and ​Quadrille was highly fashionable in European courts in the early 18th century, especially among women, and was certainly played in Russia.

Stained-glass window from Tiffany Studios, led by Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848–1933).

Asian porcelain was highly prized in Europe and was imported by trading companies like the Dutch East India Company. European potters, especially in the Netherlands, attempted to compete and imitated the decoration of Chinese porcelain, resulting in tin-glazed earthenware known as Delftware.

There is so much to learn in museums and I am always fascinated by the exhibits. I love having photos that allow me to take another look!