Critic's picks - visual arts
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TARA DONOVAN Donovan's spellbinding works use plastic buttons, toothpicks, plastic cups, and Mylar tape, among other forms of trash-in-the-making, to make challenging and utterly convincing propositions about beauty. This may be the ICA's best show yet. Through Jan. 4. Institute of Contemporary Art. 617-478-3103, www.icaboston.org
THE TRIUMPH OF MARRIAGE: PAINTED CASSONI OF THE RENAISSANCE A splendid show of cassoni — narrative paintings created for wedding chests — from the Renaissance in 15th-century Tuscany. Their subjects are sometimes arcane but always fascinating allegories from classical history and myth and sometimes contemporary events. Through Jan. 18. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. 617-566-1401, www.gardnermuseum.org
SEBASTIAN SMEE
