Having expelled the (Catholic) Spanish, seventeenth century Holland was keen on non-traditional, secular paintings. The Dutch Golden Age resulted, rightly celebrated in this show. It is also a celebration of the million object collection of England’s National Trust, an astonishing inheritance from the era of the grand country house.
Not everyone loves this show. Penone has a preoccupation, trees. In his view, they eloquently express the work of time. Some like the works presented but not the above reviewer. “When his weighty philosophical inferences don’t quite connect with the subject they can feel ponderous … [pieces] of rather corny ecological illustration”.
Chippendale is the most magical name in fine furniture. The tercentenary of Thomas Chippendale’s birth is being celebrated on both sides of the Atlantic. His pieces stand out for their beauty and outstanding craftsmanship. Mies Van Der Rohe apparently said “a chair is a very difficult object. A skyscraper is almost easier. That is why Chippendale is famous”.