In an area better known for its rolling hills, vineyards and wine country tours, Sonoma Valley also enjoys the benefits of the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art and beginning the third week of April the museum will host a six week show, consisting of thirty-five Rembrandt works collectively entitled, “Sordid and Sacred: The Beggars in Rembrandt’s Etchings.” Rembrandt would often use beggars as subjects and just as often portray them with sympathy and even biblical roles – positioning that was highly unusual in art at the time. These etchings played a significant role in his formative years and the figures and style would figure prominently throughout the works of his career.
Complementing the Rembrandt exhibit of beggars will be the parallel exhibit, “Gestures of Compassion: Al Farrow’s Beggars.” These sculptures of bronze from the late twentieth century reflect an obvious connection to the compassion so inherent in Rembrandt’s etchings. In addition to the exhibits, a lecture on Rembrandt’s life and art as well as four etching demonstrations will be presented to offer greater insight into the works and artist. For further information on the exhibit, the lecture or demonstrations, visit the Sonoma Valley of Art online: www.svma.org
