19th Century European Collection

This month the Gallery’s North Gallery is graced by a mixture of 19th century European paintings, print works and sculptures as well as a selection of artworks from the African continent. The period from 1801 to 1900 witnessed a series of historic events including the French revolution, developments in the fields of mathematics, physics, metallurgy, sport and abolishment of slavery in several countries. The 19th century also witnessed the road to African colonization where European countries targeted for and acquired African countries.

This rush for African countries was a race to gain and expand their national wealth. One work that reflects to a POINT OF CONTACT could be Building South Kensington Museum by Frank Brangwyn. It’s well known that many museums were built largely to house exotic and other objects during this period. Several works in the show reveal the thinking and prevalent activities that occurred during the century and African works from the collection also speak to the point of contact, the linking of the two continents in both negative and positive ways. The colonial expansion can be seen as the action that resulted in many of these works appearing in the new colonies and the space you are standing in is a good example as the National Gallery of Rhodesia was introduced during a time when colonialism in this country was firmly present and the desire to have cultural relations tangibly expressed was established.

The portrait ‘As it ought to have been settled’ is a flashback to the 1870-71 war between France and Prussia which was a culmination of years of tension and insults shared between the Prussian king and the French ambassador, the initial stages of the colonization of Africa contributed to the wars that erupted in this period. The building of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe itself was a colonial idea. As a result, the 19th century contributed to the development of Africa not only in creativity of art but also in the contact between the two continents.

During this era "isms" was the clever remark given to the many movements, periods, and styles. The emergence of different art movements such as realism, impressionism, romanticism and orientalism became popular with artists. From the mosaics and sculptures displayed in the ancient Roman Catholic Church to the art displayed in offices and Galleries today, a point of contact has surfaced in terms of the similarities in techniques witnessed in every work. The 19th century was a period in which a fundamental renewal of art took place with a comprehensive rethinking of the formal language and subject matter. This period can be perceived as the beginning of what has come to be called Modern Art.

An art piece by L Hughe titled ‘Domestic scene’ explores the home environment and the roles played by both man and wife. The family has always been an important component in society as it represents closure, security and heritage. The artworks from the Gallery’s Permanent Collection are confirmation of how they have survived the test of time. 19th century artists managed to demonstrate the diversity and merit of art. Their ability to mix colours and produce striking images that still hold luster many centuries later underlines the ingenuity of the artists.

Works by world acclaimed local artist the late John Takawira are present in this show as they reveal another POINT OF CONTACT. The striking physical resemblance of his works to that of the master sculptor Auguste Rodin is demonstrated and the viewer is left to wonder how this might have come about. Similarly, the resemblance between the ‘Carve wooden porpianong brid’ African artifacts and the reproduction ‘Still life with Guitar’ by Pablo Picasso is a story that is well documented. Our aim is to draw attention to these POINTS OF CONTACT and cultivate in the viewer the desire to dig deeper.