The Observer, August 29, 2008
Volume XLI, Issue 1
Art is back! CMA reopens doors to permanent collections
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This summer, after three years of construction, the Cleveland Museum of Art finally opened the first 19 galleries of the newly renovated 1916 building. Most of these galleries house the collection of 17th- through early 18th-century art. This is part of the first phase of the construction project that is slated to continue through 2012. The architect, Rafael Viñoly, began drawing plans for the current project in 2001, and his concept is to showcase the 1916 building as a jewel set into an architectural ring.
After a walk through the labyrinthian halls beneath the museum, then up the grand flights of escalators befitting a world-class institution, and through the glass hall complete with a view of University Circle, one finally enters the first gallery. The viewer is met by the front door of a prominent Ohioan from the early 18th-century, flanked by two period couches. The carving on the door structure is excellent, and shows off the finer work from Ohio. While it may not necessarily be the first display one would expect, it is certainly fitting that the work be local, suggesting that the CMA has not forgotten its roots on the way to becoming prominent in the world art culture.
One of the great series of artwork held by the museum was only recently acquired in 2003. The series of paintings by French artist Charles Meynier features five enormous canvases depicting the nine muses of Greek mythology. Painted between 1798 and 1802 and truly monumental, they fill almost the entire wall space from left to right and floor to ceiling of the gallery in which they are displayed. Conservators had to heavily clean and restore the paintings before they were placed on display, and the colorful result inspires awe in the viewer. They are not to be missed.
Nicolas Poussin's Holy Family on the Steps is back in Cleveland. This renowned masterpiece is owned jointly by the CMA and the Louvre as a result of a cultural patrimony dispute when the painting was brought illegally to the United States. Unaware of the fact that the piece had been smuggled into the country, the CMA bought the piece in 1981. While the other paintings in the gallery are great works of art, Poussin's work stands out from the rest as a piece of superior quality. The colorful pyramidal composition of the Holy family, set against grey ancient classical architecture, creates a striking contrast. It remains popular both in Cleveland and Paris, and resides in each for short periods of time.
The always-admired Armor Court has been reinstalled almost exactly as it had been before the museum closed in 2005. The only major update is the new glass that will better protect the contents of the display cases. Highlights of the armor court include a magnificent set of armor mounted on a model figure riding a horse. Most of the armor is from the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance, but some is older. Given its value in raw materials, armor was often melted down. Consequently, a disproportionate amount of armor from the later periods is represented in most armor collections across the world. There are also impressive displays of arms in the Court, which is just off the main rotunda.
These are just a few highlights of the newly opened galleries. Even if you don't particularly like art from this period, there are bound to be at least a few pieces that bring you enjoyment. Considering that the CMA is still free to all, there's not much of a gamble. Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, with hours extended until 9 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays. The museum is closed on Mondays.
