Past Exhibition

The Gothic Spirit of John Taylor Arms

The image shows an elevated perspective overlooking a cityscape. Two gargoyles are visible, one in the shape of a mythical creature on a ledge close by, and another perched on a pillar further away. The horizon line is subtly hinted at, with a low skyline and receding rooftops in the distance. Detailed etching techniques are used, with intricate line work creating textures and shadows on the architecture and figures. The color palette is primarily monochrome, focusing on black, white, and beige tones to highlight contrast and depth. The distant architecture is less detailed and fades into a lighter tone, directing attention to the gargoyles and nearby rooftop structures.
John Taylor Arms, Guardians of the Spire, 1921, etching in black on blue laid paper, Gift of Mrs. Robert A. Hauslohner, 1991.116.8

Details

  • Dates

    -

  • Locations

    West Building, Ground Floor, Outer Tier Galleries G28 and G29
The image shows an elevated perspective overlooking a cityscape. Two gargoyles are visible, one in the shape of a mythical creature on a ledge close by, and another perched on a pillar further away. The horizon line is subtly hinted at, with a low skyline and receding rooftops in the distance. Detailed etching techniques are used, with intricate line work creating textures and shadows on the architecture and figures. The color palette is primarily monochrome, focusing on black, white, and beige tones to highlight contrast and depth. The distant architecture is less detailed and fades into a lighter tone, directing attention to the gargoyles and nearby rooftop structures.
John Taylor Arms, Guardians of the Spire, 1921, etching in black on blue laid paper, Gift of Mrs. Robert A. Hauslohner, 1991.116.8

Overview: 54 prints and drawings by American artist John Taylor Arms were shown in this exhibition, which included works from throughout Arms's career, ranging from his early views of New York to later images of European cathedrals. Prints by Arms's contemporaries Samuel Chamberlain, Kerr Eby, and Gerald Geerlings also were on view, together with Arms's studio guest book, suggesting the artistic environment in which he worked. 2 of Arms's copper plates also were shown. Works in the exhibition were from the collection of the National Gallery of Art, plus promised gifts and loans.

Exhibition curator Charles Ritchie presented the lecture "New Light on John Taylor Arms" on November 7. The Monadnock Music Trio presented a concert of music inspired by architecture on November 2 in honor of the exhibition.

Organization: The exhibition was organized by the National Gallery of Art. Charles Ritchie, associate curator of modern prints and drawings, was curator.

Attendance: 121,101 (204 days)

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