May 2015: Moon Jar
Jar (Dal Hang-ari), Korean, about 1700 Since the 10th century, Korean artists have produced white porcelain. After a long demand for celadon (pale green) ceramics, white porcelain gained popularity in […]
Spotlight on the Collection
Besides its unbeatable lineup of special exhibitions, the BMA has one of the finest permanent collections in the Southeast. With more than 24,000 paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, videos, and decorative arts, the collection spans more than 4000 years and represents cultures from around the globe. Now, discover your Museum with the Spotlight on the Collection series. Experience the spotlight work in the galleries with an ArtBreak or Slow Art Sunday, like us on Facebook to learn more, or join the conversation below to tell us what you think about these artworks!
April 2015: Bands of Color in Various Directions
Bands of Color in Various Directions, Sol LeWitt, 2001 Bands of Color in Various Directions, from Sol LeWitt’s series Wall Drawings, is one of the largest artworks in the Museum’s […]
March 2014: Britannia Triumphant
Britannia Triumphant, attributed to John Flaxman, Jr., for Wedgwood, 1798-1804 Since 1759, Wedgwood has been a major pottery manufacturer that set the standard for fashionable English dinnerware and decorative objects. […]
February 2015: Beer Vessel
Beer vessel, Zulu people, 20th century African artisans have produced pottery for at least 10,000 to 15,000 years. Handmade ceramics, particularly in rural areas, are still central to family and […]
January 2015: Lady Helen Vincent, Viscountess d’Abernon
Lady Helen Vincent, Viscountess d’Abernon, John Singer Sargent, 1904 Portraits are the result of a negotiation between an artist and a sitter, often over considerations such as clothing, props, and […]
December 2014: Madonna and Christ Child with Infant Saint John the Baptist and Three Angels
Madonna and Christ Child with Infant Saint John the Baptist and Three Angels, Workshop of Domenico Ghirlandaio, about 1485/1500 The Italian word tondo (plural tondi) describes a painting or relief sculpture […]
November 2014: Buffalo Vector
Buffalo Vector (Yellowstone Border), Merritt Johnson, 2009-2010 It is always rewarding to see Museum visitors draw close to a work of art, stop, and look closely. Without fail, this painting […]
October 2014: Metate
Ceremonial Bird Effigy Grinding Stone (Metate), Nicoya Culture, 300-700 AD Nature is an integral part of life for Costa Ricans past and present. Located in a region that is both […]
September 2014: It’s the Real Thing!
It’s the Real Thing!, 1978/2006, Hank Willis Thomas, 2006 Hank Willis Thomas (born 1976) was raised by a photography historian who taught him to be sensitive to the power of […]
August 2014: Hot Water Urn
Hot Water Urn, Hester Bateman, 1781/1782 Modern collectors and silver enthusiasts have called Hester Bateman (1708-1794) “the queen of English silversmiths.” In 1761, she took over her late husband’s chain-making business […]
July 2014: Armor
Armor, Saotome Iyetada, about 1550 To a modern audience, suits of samurai armor may seem extravagant or even flamboyant; however, each element served a real purpose. Besides providing protection, high-status […]
June 2014: Somnus
Somnus, Wedgwood, about 1774 The prototype for this figure is the sculpture by Alessandro Algardi, now in the Galleria Borghese in Rome. Wedgwood had access to it through an engraving […]