Art history students organize Rembrandt exhibition

UM-Dearborn's Alfred Berkowitz Gallery is hosting an exhibition called "Pursuit of Faith: Etchings by Rembrandt in the Thrivent Financial Collection of Religious Art" through Oct. 15.

Art history Prof. Shelley Perlove and her undergraduate students organized the exhibition, which is free and open to the public, and features 25 original vintage etchings and an original copper plate used by Dutch artist Rembrandt in the printing process.

The exhibit spans the years from Rembrandt's early dramatic etchings of the 1630s to his late prints of the 1650s that focused on quieter, more contemplative moments. The display will include the famous Hundred Guilder Print (1649), as well as the original copper plate of The Angel Appearing to the Shepherds (1634).

In addition, the exhibition includes detailed information on the art of etching and printmaking and the tools used by Rembrandt. A more comprehensive explanation of Rembrandt's techniques is included in a 144-page exhibition catalogue in an essay by Tom Rassieur titled "Chapters in Rembrandt's Life as a Printmaker." Rassieur, currently the John E. Andrus III Curator of Prints and Drawings at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, is a prominent Rembrandt scholar and has created several major Rembrandt exhibitions. The catalogue, which will be on sale for the duration of the exhibition, also features detailed information on each etching featured in the show along with scholarly essays by Amy Golahny, Susan Kurtetsky and Shelley Perlove.

The Alfred Berkowitz Gallery, located on the third floor of the Mardigian Library, is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday by appointment by calling 734-756-8643. Admission is free. For more information, call the gallery at 313-593-3592 or visit the exhibition's Facebook page.