Ongoing
The Met
The 2024 reinstallation of the Anthony W. and Lulu C. Wang Galleries of Eighteenth-Century American Art at The Met’s American Wing unveils a significant chapter in American furniture design from roughly 1720 to 1770. This updated installation invites visitors to explore closer the intricate craftsmanship, materials, and sculptural qualities that defined this period’s furniture. With an emphasis on the sensuality and ergonomic sophistication embedded within the designs, it encourages a deeper appreciation of how function and artistry intertwine in these historic pieces.
The presentation highlights landmark examples from notable collections, including the H. Eugene Bolles and Natalie Knowlton Blair holdings, alongside newer acquisitions and generous contributions from esteemed collectors such as Anthony and Lulu Wang and Erving and Joy Wolf. This thoughtfully curated display serves as a compelling counterpoint to the American Wing’s period rooms, offering a focused lens on furniture as both art and daily object within its historical context.
Visitors can expect to engage with pieces that exemplify the hallmark style and regional variations of eighteenth-century American furniture, experiencing firsthand the elegance and innovation of colonial craftsmanship. Beyond aesthetic admiration, the exhibit also provides insights into the cultural and social dynamics influencing furniture design during this transformative era in early American history.
The exhibition, generously supported by The Edward John and Patricia Rosenwald Foundation, not only enriches The Met’s narrative of American decorative arts but also celebrates the continued legacy and influence of these early artisans. It presents an opportunity for audiences to rediscover the beauty, complexity, and cultural significance of eighteenth-century American furniture through a contemporary museological approach.
For further details and to plan your visit, please refer to the official exhibition page at The Met – The Calculated Curve.
