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John Bieber. Chest over Drawers, 1789, Painted pine, brass. The Barnes Foundation, 01.13.18

Free; registration required.

About the Talk

Each month, members of our education, research, and curatorial teams present their ongoing research on the collection to members. These talks are a great way to learn more about your favorite artists.

The 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence is an opportune moment to spotlight an outstanding example of early American craftsmanship: the Pennsylvania German chest. A descendant of Pennsylvania German settlers, Dr. Albert C. Barnes filled his galleries with these richly decorated pieces of furniture, valuing both their utility and their distinctive aesthetic quality. While the hand-painted motifs and iconography are deeply tied to this land, we can also trace their origins to medieval Europe. Join gallery specialist Michael Iovanne for a discussion about the living history and enduring legacy of these uniquely American objects.

This talk will begin at the entrance to the Collection Gallery.