December 6, 1935
The new Gallery of Medieval Art at the Brooklyn Museum was opened this afternoon (December 6) with a reception and private view for members of the Museum and guests. It will be open to the public on Saturday. At the same time the Museum placed on exhibition on the First Floor the great Chalice of Antioch and other related objects lent through the courtesy of Mr. Fahim Kouchakji. Mr. Kouchakji's collection, known as the Antioch Treasure, includes a lesser chalice, a large silver cross, and three silver book covers as well as the great chalice. All date from early Christian times and are rare and beautiful examples of the work of the ancient silversmith.
A case of jewelry and enamels representing the work of the contemporary enamelist and goldsmith jeweler will also be on display from December 6 to December 11. The work in this case is by Mr. Frank Gardner Hale, dean of the Boston jewelers, who will lecture at the Museum at 4 o'clock on the afternoon of Monday, December 9. The subject of his discourse will be "The Art of the Jeweler and Goldsmith." In the course of his remarks he; will describe the craft of the ancient silversmith used in producing such works as the Antioch Chalice.
The collection of medieval art, comprising Byzantine art and art of western Europe, includes sculpture, painting, mosaic, illuminated manuscript books, coins, jewelry, tapestries and other woven textiles, pottery, wrought iron, arms and armor. It represents over a thousand years of history, from the founding of Constantinople in 330 A.D. to the discovery of America.
Some objects of later date arc included to indicate the persistent influence of the medieval tradition. The illustrated handbook describes 225 items and includes essays on the middle ages by Mr. Marvin Chauncey Ross, Curator, and Miss Louise Chase, his assistant.
The new gallery of Medieval Art has been constructed in space formerly occupied by an open balcony running round the light well of the Classical Court on the floor below. Inner walls have been built to make this space suitable for exhibition purposes. Color is used in the backgrounds to enrich the affect of the installation. Miss Christine. Krehbiel, stylist of the Museum Staff, is responsible for the color scheme design of special cases and pedestals and for many details of arrangement.
Brooklyn Museum Archives. Records of the Department of Public Information. Press releases, 1931 - 1936. 10-12_1935, 123. View Original
