Rob and Nick Carter

The building blocks of the visual DNA of Western art can be traced back to a number of iconic works, so called signature pieces that have strong relevance in today’s world from the sculptures of antiquity to Mona Lisa and Auguste Rodin’s The Thinker. Interestingly, the art historical narrative was shaped hand in hand with the collection and display practices of 19th century museums in Europe and these signature pieces play a leading role in the story of art no matter if we look at the earliest art historical publications or the latest versions on the same issue.

Inspiration – Iconic Works presents art that draws inspiration from iconic masterpieces, created by today’s contemporary artists. A selection of works from Nationalmuseum’s vast collections of paintings, plaster casts, drawings and applied arts is displayed in dialogue with the contemporary art objects

A major publication, edited by Dr. Susanna Pettersson will accompany the exhibition. The exhibition is curated by Susanna Pettersson, Director General, Nationalmuseum and James Putnam, curator, London.