Painting the Cosmos: Science and the Art of Frederic Edwin Church

• Official web site

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

May 30-September 27, 2009

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents the exhibition Painting the Cosmos: Science and the Art of Frederic Edwin Church, on view in the Caroline Wiess Law Building, May 30 through September 27.

Up to the mid-19th century, the work of American artists was deemed inferior to that of their European counterparts. As one British critic wrote, "In the four quarters of the globe, who reads an American book? or goes to an American play? or looks at an American picture or statue?"

In 1859, this sentiment was boldly refuted by the artistry of a 33-year-old American, Frederic Edwin Church (1826—1900), who presented his iconic painting The Heart of the Andes to enraptured audiences. A new era in American art had begun. Church´s exceptionally detailed, yet idealized vision of the South American landscape was the apex of a series he had started in 1853.

This installation features the museum´s own early example from that series: Cotopaxi (1855), which depicts the volcano of that name. Central to Church´s conception for this project was his deep appreciation for and understanding of scientific knowledge. Painting the Cosmos explores Church´s scientific and literary influences, as well as his reception by contemporaries, through publications from the collection of the Hirsch Library at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

Pictured:  Frederic Edwin Church, detail Cotopaxi, 1855, 74.58, MFAH purchase with funds provided by the Hogg Brothers Collection, gift of Miss Ima Hogg, by exchange.