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Boston Globe
a day ago
- General
- Boston Globe
MFA returns two Benin Bronzes to Nigeria
'As custodians of these exceptional objects for the past 12 years, it is deeply gratifying to see them returned to their rightful owner,' he said in a statement. Advertisement A ceremony at the Nigeria House in New York, pictured from left: Ambassador Abubakar Jidda, consul general of Nigeria; Victoria Reed, the MFA's senior curator for provenance; Pierre Terjanian, the MFA's chief of curatorial affairs and conservation; Ambassador Samson Itegboje, of the Nigerian embassy; MFA Director Matthew Teitelbaum; Prince Aghatise Erediauwa; Dr. Arese Carrington. Andy Henderson/Museum of Fine Arts, Boston The restituted works, a 16th or 17th century Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up The plunder quickly made its way to the art market and scores of museums across Europe and (to a lesser extent) the US. The bronzes, viewed by many as an exemplar of colonial-era excess, have become a cause célèbre in recent years, with many museums returning or pledging to return them to Nigeria, where the palace has called for their return. (The Benin kingdom is distinct from the modern country of Benin, which borders Nigeria). Advertisement The collection has been That put the MFA in the difficult position: It only had clear title to five of the artworks, so it was trying to negotiate an agreement with the palace for a collection the vast majority of which it did not yet fully own. 'It's really not appropriate for us to bring them into the collection,' Victoria Reed, the museum's senior curator for provenance, told the Globe earlier this year. 'But that means that we do not own them, and therefore we don't have control over them.' The MFA returned this relief plaque Friday, which can be traced directly to the 1897 raid. Relief plaque showing two officials with raised swords, c. 1530‑1570. Royal Bronze‑casting Guild (Igun Eronmwon) Copper alloy. *Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Robert Owen Lehman Collection. (Museum of Fine Arts, Boston) Museum of Fine Arts, Boston But the museum's efforts abruptly ran aground this spring, when Lehman, an award-winning filmmaker, 'We're all sad in contemplating this outcome,' Teitelbaum said at the time. 'There's no moment of celebration or resolution that feels fully satisfying.' Reached by phone Friday, however, he said Lehman's retraction freed the museum's hand. Advertisement 'It opened up another set of conversations,' said Teitelbaum, who described the ceremony as a 'powerful day.' 'This is the result.' The two restituted works can be traced to the 1897 raid, said Reed. The commemorative head is recorded on the London art market in 1899, when it was sold with other looted artworks from the kingdom. The relief plaque passed through the Crown Agent of the Niger Coast Protectorate (the British protectorate state, whose forces led the raid), who sold it in 1898. This commemorative head was sold along with other looted works on the London art market in 1899. Commemorative Head, 16th–17th century. Terracotta, iron. (Museum of Fine Arts, Boston) Museum of Fine Arts, Boston The artworks soon entered England's Pitt-Rivers Museum; Lehman acquired them years later when portions of the collection were sold. 'I'm am never going to say that we have 100 percent certainty about anything,' she said by phone from New York. 'But based on the available evidence, How likely is it that these were not looted? I think very, very small.' Prince Aghatise Erediauwa called the ceremony a great event, adding that the Benin royal court expected other museums 'to do the right thing.' The 'MFA has joined in showing the world that the restitution of looted heritage works is not at the pleasure of whoever is holding them,' he said via WhatsApp. 'It is the ethical and legal thing to do.' Dr. Arese Carrington, a member of the MFA's board of advisors, orchestrated the transfer. Following the ceremony, Nigeria's National Commission for Museums and Monuments plans to take possession of the bronzes and deliver them to Omo N'Oba Ewuare II, Oba, or king, of Benin. Reed is still researching the provenance of the three bronzes that remain in the museum's collection. She said that while they can be traced to the American and European art markets in the second half of the 20th century, it remains unclear when and how they left Africa. Advertisement 'There are large gaps in their provenance,' she said. 'We're going to try to fill' them. Malcolm Gay can be reached at
Courier-Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Courier-Mail
3 shows worth visiting Melbourne for this winter
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. Beetlejuice! Beetlejuice! Beetle… If you know, you know. The audience at Beetlejuice the Musical, on at the Regent Theatre until August 31, certainly did and loved this witty adaptation of the cult film. Eddie Perfect, who plays the titular naughty demon, tells the audience, 'It's a funny show about death,' but it's as touching as it is irreverent. I saw it on a winter trip to Melbourne, a chaser to a few days of culture that began with Rising, a refreshingly offbeat 12-day festival of art, music, and theatre. X SUBSCRIBER ONLY There's a friendly rivalry among cities in Australia, all vying to be the cultural destination this winter. For me, it's hard to beat Melbourne for its art, culture and, of course, food. A cornerstone this year is the French Impressionism exhibition from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, on until October 5 at the National Gallery of Victoria. Eight years in the making, it's a do-over after the original show was cancelled in 2021 due to the pandemic. I daresay the new iteration is even better, with extra works added. The Boston Museum's collection is renowned, and having more than100 works on display is extraordinary. The exhibition traces the late 19th-century movement, featuring key figures who rejected state-sponsored Salon conventions and exhibited their 'impressionistic' works elsewhere. It highlights that Impressionism was once unpopular, these artists seen as rebellious for their innovative techniques and unique subjects. A cornerstone this year is the French Impressionism exhibition from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, on until October 5 at the National Gallery of Victoria. Picture: Dan Castano/Supplied. Visitors can see 16 remarkable Monet works in a room resembling the oval Musée de l'Orangerie in Paris, featuring haystacks, lilies, street scenes, and snowy landscapes. Along with works by my favourite, Berthe Morisot, and Paul Cézanne, Édouard Manet and Claude Monet, the show offers a sensory experience amplified by a magnificent set-up reminiscent of grand Bostonian mansions, with red panelling, gold ormolu, and velvet sofas creating a sumptuous ambience. Round off the exhibition with a visit to Kimono (until October 5), as part of a combined ticket. The Impressionists were inspired by Japanese printmaking, making it a perfect complement. Showcasing 70-plus garments from the NGV's collection, it's a feast of embroidered silk kimonos adorned with birds and flowers, as well as lacquerware, accessories, woodblocks and posters. It features work from the Edo period to today, including contemporary pieces by Issey Miyake and Kyoto designer Jotaro Saito, from a long line of artisans, reminding us that the kimono remains a timeless garment. Round off the exhibition with a visit to Kimono (until October 5), as part of a combined ticket. Picture: Mitch Fong/Supplied. Where to eat in Melbourne Keep the French theme going at Chris Lucas's chic Maison Bâtard. Its niçoise is delicious, but the cheeseburger – mon dieu! Where to stay in Melbourne Hyde Melbourne Place is a brilliant addition to the city's hotel offerings. The writer travelled to Melbourne as a guest of Visit Victoria. Originally published as 3 shows worth visiting Melbourne for this winter
Fashion Network
17-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston to showcase heritage Indian weaves this summer
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston will spotlight India's rich textile legacy in its summer exhibition "From India to the World: Textiles from the Parpia Collection." The showcase opens with a lecture by textile historian Rosemary Crill on June 22. "This special exhibition highlights the newly acquired Parpia Collection- one of the most significant private holdings of Indian textiles outside India, assembled with deep regional knowledge and artistry," announced the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston on Facebook. The exhibition serves to raise India's profile in the global textiles sphere. The exhibition features an extensive selection of Indian textiles spanning the 17th to early 20th century, drawn from the collection of Banoo and Jeevak Parpia, Glasstire reported. Regarded as one of the most significant private collections of Indian textiles outside India, the Parpia holdings include intricately woven court silks, boldly printed cottons, detailed tie-dyes, and fine Ikats. The pieces reflect the technical expertise and regional diversity of Indian artisans, highlighting India's longstanding role as a global hub for textile innovation. From India to the World traces the journey of Indian textiles across centuries and continents, from their trade along Asian routes to their high demand in Europe via Portuguese, Dutch, and British merchants. The exhibition builds on the museum's 2023 presentation Woven Wonders: Indian Textiles from the Parpia Collection, further cementing MFAH's role as a key institution for Indian textile heritage.
Fashion Network
17-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Texan museum to showcase heritage Indian weaves this summer
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (US) will spotlight India's rich textile legacy in its summer exhibition 'From India to the World: Textiles from the Parpia Collection'. The showcase opens with a lecture by textile historian Rosemary Crill on June 22. "This special exhibition highlights the newly acquired Parpia Collection- one of the most significant private holdings of Indian textiles outside India, assembled with deep regional knowledge and artistry," announced the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston on Facebook. The exhibition serves to raise India's profile in the global textiles sphere. The exhibition features an extensive selection of Indian textiles spanning the 17th to early 20th century, drawn from the collection of Banoo and Jeevak Parpia, Glasstire reported. Regarded as one of the most significant private collections of Indian textiles outside India, the Parpia holdings include intricately woven court silks, boldly printed cottons, detailed tie-dyes, and fine ikats. The pieces reflect the technical expertise and regional diversity of Indian artisans, highlighting India's longstanding role as a global hub for textile innovation. From India to the World traces the journey of Indian textiles across centuries and continents, from their trade along Asian routes to their high demand in Europe via Portuguese, Dutch, and British merchants. The exhibition builds on the museum's 2023 presentation Woven Wonders: Indian Textiles from the Parpia Collection, further cementing MFAH's role as a key institution for Indian textile heritage.
Boston Globe
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Free summer fun: Juneteenth celebrations, a new audiobook walking club, and more
REVISIT REVOLUTION This year marks both the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill and the 200th anniversary of the laying of the Bunker Hill Monument. To mark the milestones, the Bunker Hill Monument Association will recreate the setting of the monument's Charlestown cornerstone, as it was first performed on June 17, 1825. Prior to the organization's evening grand ball, a free gala hour featuring live music and toasts will be open to the public at the Old South Meeting House downtown. June 16, 9:30 a.m., Charlestown Navy Yard, 1st Ave. & 3rd St., Charlestown. Gala hour event, 6 p.m., Old South Meeting House, 310 Washington St. RIVERFRONT CINEMA Coolidge Corner Theatre's outdoor screenings have returned with movie nights popping up at the Charles River Speedway, the Rose Kennedy Greenway, and other notable Boston green spaces. This week, the 1997 teen comedy 'Good Burger,' starring Kel Mitchell and Kenan Thompson, is ready to June 18, 8 p.m. 525 Western Ave., Brighton. For a full screenings list and locations, visit Advertisement Oak Long Bar + Kitchen will host a complimentary whiskey tasting in its dining room on Juneteenth. PAH Creative Advertisement TASTING HISTOR Y If you're able to discern notes of vanilla and spice in your whiskey — or if you just enjoy a dizzying glass of the amber drink — you may gain a new appreciation for the history and artistry of the grain liquor at this Juneteenth event. The Fairmont Copley Plaza's Oak Long Bar + Kitchen will host a whiskey tasting in collaboration with Tennessee-based Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. In addition to sniffing and sipping samples, participants will learn the legacy of the brand's namesake, Nathan 'Nearest' Green, the first African American master distiller, who June 19, 5 p.m.-7 p.m. 21+. 138 St. James Ave. Still from "Paint Me a Road Out of Here" (2024), by Catherine Gund. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston HONORING BLACK STORIES This Thursday, in honor of Juneteenth, multiple cultural institutions will present special events to remember and celebrate the turning point in American history. At the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, locals can get free admission to the galleries and a full day of special programming that aims to elevate Black artistry, history, and resilience. As the sun sets, the museum will host a free Q&A and screening of 'Paint Me a Road Out of Here' with director Catherine Gund. The film details the whitewashed journey of the 1971 painting 'For the Women's House,' a piece dedicated to incarcerated women at Rikers Island. June 19. 465 Huntington Ave. Advertisement SOLSTICE SOIREE Harvard's Museums of Science & Culture will host a celebratory Summer Solstice party, featuring circus performances, lawn games, and flower crown crafting, culminating with a sunset countdown for the longest day of the year. Galleries and exhibits at the museums — including the Harvard Museum of Natural History and the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology — will be open for attendees to roam, learn, and explore a cultural (and air-conditioned) escape. June 20, 5 p.m.-9 p.m. 11 Divinity Ave., Cambridge. WORTH THE DRIVE Though the kiddos are out of school, there's no time like the present to keep developing active and curious minds. Discovery Museum — the burb-based museum dedicated to the learning development of young children — is opening their doors to the community every Friday, starting this week. Families can explore a variety of indoor and outdoor exhibits, and learn everything from the properties of water to using a cash register. June 20-Aug. 29, 4:30 p.m.-8 p.m. 177 Main St., Acton. PAGES & PAVEMENT If you have an audiobook collecting dust in your downloads, a nudge from your local spoken word enthusiasts may be what you need to finally hear that happily ever after. Side Quest Books & Games, a genre bookstore in Bow Market, is jump-starting an Audiobook Walking Club this Sunday. The weekly walk starts at Side Quest, where attendees can lace up their sneakers and put on their headphones before the hourlong stroll. The journey ends where it began, and participants are welcome to hang out for a caffeine fix and a chat about their tale on tape, or continue binge-listening all the way home. Sundays starting June 22, 9:30 a.m. 1 Bow Market Way, Suite 32, Somerville. Advertisement Tacos from Loco Taqueria are half-price to celebrate Taco Tuesday every week. Diane Bair Deals & steals SHELL YEAH At Loco Taqueria's Fenway and Southie locations, tacos are half-price all day on Tuesdays. Customers can choose between the likes of classic carne asada or crispy coconut shrimp, served on 6-inch corn tortillas — or they can get one of both, because, hey, it's Tuesday. 11 a.m.-1 a.m. 412 W. Broadway, South Boston. 61 Brookline Ave. Send info on free events and special offers at least 10 days in advance to . Marianna Orozco can be reached at
