“Casanova” opening in the MFA in July, explores the splendor and sophistication of the 18th century through the eyes of one of its most colorful characters, Giacomo Casanova (1725–1798). As author of one of the most detailed surviving autobiographies from this period, Casanova offers a glimpse into daily life 250 years ago. The exhibition lavishly recreates Casanova’s visual world, from his birthplace of Venice to the cultural capitals of Paris and London to more remote outposts in Eastern Europe. Gathering together paintings, sculpture, works on paper, furnishings, porcelain, silver, and period costume, “Casanova” brings this world to life.

In addition to extraordinary paintings and beautiful prints on loan from institutions around the world, the exhibition offers the MFA an opportunity to showcase its extensive collection of decorative arts. It includes a selection of gold boxes from the Rothschild collection donated to the MFA in 2013, as well as important examples of Italian, French, and English furniture, and English silver in the Rococo style.

Thomas Michie, Russell B. and Andrée Beauchamp Stearns Senior Curator of Decorative Arts and Sculpture, Art of Europe, reveals some of the highlights and preparations that went into the exhibition:

The exhibition features a huge selection of beautiful objects drawn almost entirely from the MFA’s rich holdings of European decorative arts. French silver and gilt bronze are particularly well represented by a silver sauce boat by François-Thomas Germain that was a royal commission by the King of Portugal. Also on view for the first time is a magnificent pair of gilt bronze wall lights recently acquired from a private collection in Germany, and an equally splendid wall clock that was conserved for the exhibition.

One of the key benefits of being a member of the Patron Program is special access to exciting exhibitions like ”Casanova,” as well as insightful interactions with the curators who make these productions possible.

“Casanova” is co-organized by the MFA, the Kimbell Art Museum, and the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. It will be on view in the Gund Gallery from July 8 to October 8, 2018.

By Richard Baiano, Patron Committee member