The Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, MA schedules a “Looking at Lunchtime Talk” on Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s painting The Bay of Naples with Vesuvius in the Background for 12:30 PM Thursday, October 8, 2009, given by curatorial assistant Sarah Hammond. This Looking at Lunchtime Talk is free with paid gallery admission.
Following his commercial successes at the 1879 Paris Salon, Renoir ventured for the first time beyond the French borders, seeking out new sights and experiences to inspire his art and develop his intellect. The Bay of Naples with Vesuvius in the Background, painted during a two-month stay on the Neapolitan coast in 1881, condenses many of Renoir’s artistic concerns onto one canvas, revealing his eagerness to experiment with color; to apply lessons learned from Renaissance painting and classical antiquity; and to please his newfound patrons back in France with picturesque views of famous sites.
The series continues on Thursday, November 12, when Sarah Lees, associate curator of European Art, will look at The Castel Sant’Angelo, Rome by Camille Corot. The talks take place at 12:30 pm on the second Thursday of every month. Attendees may purchase food at the Clark or bring a bag lunch to enjoy before or after the gallery talk. Looking at Lunchtime Talks are free with paid gallery admission June 1 through October 31.
The Clark is located at 225 South Street in Williamstown, Massachusetts. The galleries are open 10 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Sunday (open Mondays in July and August). Admission June 1 through October 31 is $12.50 for adults, free for children 18 and younger, members, and students with valid ID. Admission is free November through May. For more information, call 413-458-2303 or visit clarkart.edu.
