Splendor and Elegance

The collection of the prominent American economist Dr. Horace "Woody" Brock spans from the decorative arts (most notably French and English objects from the eighteenth century) to Old Master drawings and paintings. Brock's interests encompass the philosophy of science, moral philosophy and aesthetics—concerns that directly inform his personal collecting strategy. Virtually every object in this volume has been selected according to Brock's highly original theory of beauty in design, which is brilliantly elucidated here. Splendor and Elegance celebrates Brock's particular vision of European art, showcasing some 150 objects in a variety of media. Highlights include a spectacular Flemish turtleshell cabinet-on-stand; one of the earliest long-case clocks by André-Charles Boulle; major examples of Chelsea, Meissen and Sèvres porcelain; a powerful anatomical study by Peter Paul Rubens; and a fine group of eighteenth-century Venetian drawings, including Tiepolo's dramatic "Resurrection of Christ." An essay by antiques specialist Martin P. Levy identifies themes running through the decorative-arts collection, while MFA Boston curator Clifford S. Ackley highlights the collection's most remarkable drawings and paintings.