A presentation on the experiences of John Singer Sargent, James McNeill Whistler, and many other American artists who fell under the spell of Venice and its rich history as a glassmaking capital. These artists became enamored with and infused their art with references to Murano glass.

The discussion covers the current Smithsonian Museum of American Art’s exhibition, the first comprehensive examination of the American Grand Tour to Venice in the late nineteenth century. 

The exhibition presents glass vessels in conversation with paintings, watercolors, and prints by the many talented American artists who found inspiration in Venice. This juxtaposition reveals the impact of Italian glass on American art, literature, design theory, and science education, as well as ideas at the time about gender, labor, and class relations.

To join, RSVP to park21217@aol.com for Zoom meeting information.