Critic's picks - visual arts
November 16, 2008
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2008 JAMES AND AUDREY FOSTER PRIZE
Four artists in the early stages of their careers have been selected as finalists for this year's Foster Prize at the Institute of Contemporary Art. In the running for the $25,000 biennial award, which will be announced early next year, are Catherine D'Ignazio, Rania Matar, Andrew Witkin, and Joe Zane; their work is on display in this exhibit. Through March 1. Institute of Contemporary Art. 617-478-3103, www.icaboston.org
DRAWN TO DRAMA: ITALIAN WORKS ON PAPER 1500-1800
With everyone's eyes on the contemporary art scene, it's edifying to see young collectors still interested in other fields. Robert Loper was listed in 2004 by Art and Antiques as one of America's top 100 collectors. His passion? Italian old master drawings from the 16th to the 18th centuries. Loper's collection, which includes drawings by Francesco Fontebasso, Luca Giordano, and Federico Zuccaro, makes up almost half of a riveting show of rarely seen drawings at the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute. The other half is from the Clark's own collection. Through Jan. 4. Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, Williamstown. 413-458-2303, www.clarkart.edu
TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH: PAINTING THE POLAR LANDSCAPE
A survey of paintings made during the golden age of polar exploration — the late 18th century through the early 20th — this show includes some of the most mysterious and haunting paintings ever made, by artists such as Frederic Edwin Church ("The Iceberg," inset), William Bradford, and David Abbey Paige. Through March 1. Peabody Essex Museum, Salem. 978-745-9500, www.pem.org
THE TRIUMPH OF MARRIAGE: PAINTED CASSONI OF THE RENAISSANCE
A splendid show of cassoni — narrative works painted for wedding chests — from the Renaissance in 15th-century Tuscany. Their subjects are sometimes arcane but always fascinating allegories from classical history, myth, and sometimes contemporary events. Through Jan. 18. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. 617-566-1401, www.gardnermuseum.org —SEBASTIAN SMEE
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