Clark Art Institute, Talk

Clark Society Talk: Two Treasure Boxes—Blake and Bonvin Print Portfolios

Manton Study Center for Works on Paper

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A print portfolio, also known as a print cycle or suite, is a set of related images that are assembled together and enfolded in a sleeve, cover, or box. Intimate in their handling and viewing, portfolios are often appreciated more like books than single-sheet prints. This session focuses on two recent Clark acquisitions of this type: William Blake’s Illustrations of Dante’s “Divine Comedy” (c. 1825–27), seven engravings from a series left unfinished at Blake’s death; and Six Etchings Drawn and Etched by François Bonvin, Painter (1861). Join in the opportunity to open them up to explore the historical context and artist’s sources of inspiration, as well as the specific fit each portfolio makes with the Clark’s collection.

A buffet breakfast follows the program.

Advance registration required. To register, email [email protected] or call 413 458 0425.

In addition to member events, Clark Society members receive an extraordinarily rich suite of benefits and exclusively designed programs including invitations to exclusive and bespoke Clark Society events in Williamstown and beyond and opportunities for early access to special exhibitions at the Clark. Click here to learn more!

Image: William Blake, The Six-Footed Serpent: Attacking Agnolo Brunelleschi (detail), c. 1825-1827, engraving on wove paper. The Clark, gift of Barbara Sorini in memory of Emiliano Sorini, 2024.14.4