The Sheldon Gallery Presents The Jesuit Influence on Baroque Architecture Feb 19 - May 15

Photographs and texts provide a historical view of Baroque and Baroque-inspired churches from around the world

The Sheldon Art Galleries presents The Jesuit Influence on Baroque Architecture, February 19 - May 15, 2010 in the Bernoudy Gallery of Architecture. Please join us for an opening reception on Friday, February 19 from 5 - 7 p.m.! Gallery Hours are Tuesdays, Noon - 8 p.m.; Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, Noon - 5 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and one hour prior to Sheldon performances and during intermission. Admission is free. For more information on the exhibition visit the galleries' website at www.thesheldon.org/galleries.asp. This exhibition is mounted in memory of Father Maurice McNamee, S.J., and is made possible in part by Peggy Walter Symes and J. Russell Bley, Jr.

This exhibition of over 35 photographs and accompanying texts provides an overview of some of the most glorious Baroque and Baroque-inspired churches found in Italy , the Czech Republic , Mexico , Austria , and the United States . A collaborative project, the photographs were taken by John William Nagel and the descriptive texts were written by St. Louis University art historian Maurice McNamee, S.J. between 1990 and 2006.

Art of the Baroque period, in contrast to Classicism, was characterized by an emotional involvement in the subject that was illustrated through the use of tensions and distortions of form, diagonal and curved lines and a use of intense color. For the Jesuits, the Baroque style was a fitting expression of the imagination and a vehicle with which to disseminate their message to the masses. The photographs presented in this exhibition illustrate churches which were influenced by the Jesuit vision in architecture.

Maurice B. McNamee (1909-2007) had a distinguished academic career as an English professor and art historian. He was Chair of the English department at St. Louis University and supervisor of the Honors Program for many years. Also a recognized scholar of the Renaissance period, he made unique discoveries in Flemish paintings. McNamee spearheaded the restoration of Cupples House, now a registered landmark, and has written books on the mosaics of the St. Louis Cathedral Basilica and on Cupples House, both of which were collaborations with John Nagel. John William Nagel graduated from San Francisco State University . For over 35 years, Nagel supervised the Fine Art Photography program, and then the Arts Technology curriculum at St. Louis Community College . Nagel, who in his work has championed craftsmanship and fine printmaking in photography, has exhibited his work widely. Since the 1980s he has also accepted commercial projects.

The not-for-profit Sheldon Art Galleries exhibits works by local, national, and international artists in all media. Over 6,000 square feet of the galleries' spaces on the 2nd floor are permanently devoted to rotating exhibits of photography, architecture, jazz art and history, and children's art. A sculpture garden, seen from both the atrium lobby and the connecting glass bridge, features periodic rotations and installations, and the Nancy Spirtas Kranzberg Gallery on the lower level features art of all media. The Sheldon actively supports the work of St. Louis artists in all mediums and features a dedicated gallery with museum-quality exhibits by St. Louis artists, past and present.

Financial Assistance for this project has been provided by the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency. Support is provided by the Regional Arts Commission and the Arts and Education Council.

 

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