Widely considered one of the most influential and thought-provoking books in all literary history, the book of Ecclesiastes found in the Hebrew Bible, is the subject of exploration at The Living Dead: Ecclesiastes Through Art exhibit at Museum of the Bible. Located on the fifth floor and included with general admission to the museum, the temporary exhibit curated by Dr. Corinna Ricasoli, will be in place through April 30, 2018.
“The themes and sentiments explored in the book of Ecclesiastes have remained remarkably relatable and universal to audiences throughout the ages,” says Ricasoli. “The book explores questions like, ‘What is the meaning of life?’ and ‘If everything is transient, what is the value of wealth, and leisure? Throughout the 16th-18th centuries in Europe, this book of the Bible began appearing more and more in the visual arts of the time. This exhibit represents a tremendous collection, on loan from very prestigious institutions all around the world, and we’re honored to be able to host it here at Museum of the Bible.”
The exhibit features European masterpieces on loan from museums around the world, such as the Galleria Borghese, the National Gallery of Art (Washington, D.C.), the Uffizi, the Rijksmuseum and the Vatican Apostolic Library. Featured works include Gerrit van Honthorst’s Concert (ca.1627), Giovanni Martinelli’s Youth Surprised by Death, N. Le Peschier’sVanitas Still-Life (ca. 1660), Pieter Boel’s Allegory of Worldly Vanities, six prints by Giovanni Battista Piranesi and many others.
