News Release
Rare painting found by UDM Jesuits, hangs at DIA
Five years ago, a rare painting owned by the Jesuit Community at University of Detroit Mercy was found in a dusty basement. That piece is now hanging on the walls of The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA). The work, At the Foot of the Cross, a rare biblical scene painted by 19th-century African American artist Robert Scott Duncanson, was recently loaned to the DIA as an unexpected addition to its outstanding collection of African American art.
The painting was unknown to scholars of the internationally acclaimed artist until its discovery approximately five years ago in a basement at UDM.
"When the old damaged painting was found in our basement a few years ago, I could never have imagined that today it would be on display at the DIA,” said Rev. Gary Wright, S.J., rector of UDM Jesuit Community and director, University Ministry, UDM. “The Jesuit Community at UDM wanted to be able to share this treasure of our city's African-American heritage with the whole community. This has been a great experience of two venerable Detroit institutions working together so that the whole community can now enjoy this piece of our history." The painting is on display with five other pieces by Duncanson.
Duncanson (1821-1872) primarily painted portraits and genre paintings, and came to Detroit in 1845 in search of commissions. He painted portraits of prominent Detroit citizens, such as Henri Berthelet and his young grandson, William. He maintained a studio in downtown Detroit and advertised his talents in the Detroit Free Press. Before his departure in 1846, the Detroit Daily Advertiser remarked favorably on Duncanson’s skills as a painter. The artist would return to the area many times in his life, making Detroit and Cincinnati his primary residences.
The recently discovered painting, in which he explores a religious subject, was executed by the artist during his formative years when, like many emerging artists, he went through a period of experimentation. It is signed by Duncanson and dated 1846, a year when he is known to have worked in Detroit.
“The General Motors Center for African American Art is delighted that the Jesuit Community at UDM has loaned the painting to the DIA,” said Graham W. J. Beal, DIA director. “This new addition to the museum’s 19th-century African American art gallery, alongside Duncanson’s portrait, still-life, genre, and landscape paintings, enriches the DIA’s presentation of this important artist with significant ties to Detroit.”
Much research remains to be done on At the Foot of the Cross. The discovery of this rare painting will provide further insight into the development of Duncanson’s analytical, technical, and stylistic skills. It is relevant to American art history in general because it reveals Duncanson’s exploration of Christian art, for which there was no distinct American tradition in the 19th century.
Ed Note:
UDM will host an event to celebrate the loan of the painting on Friday, Feb. 27 from 5:30-7 p.m. in the DIA’s Kresge Court for university donors and leadership volunteers. Media are welcome to cover the event. THE EVENT IS NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. For more information, contact Elizabeth Patterson, associate vice president of Marketing and Public Affairs at UDM at (313) 993-1254.
Hours and Admissions
Museum hours are 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Fridays, and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for ages 6-17, and DIA members are admitted free. For membership information call 313-833-7971.
by Mark Stryker, Detroit Free Press, February 18, 2009
Release date: February 19, 2009
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