The Ashbaugh Decorative Arts Gallery at the Snite Museum of Art

The re-installation of the decorative arts collection at the Snite Museum of Art in 2017 offered an opportunity to rethink the interpretative strategies employed in the galleries. This brochure offers visitors a brief overview of the collection, its strengths, and its areas of growth. It is divided into two parts. Part I addresses materials and techniques and juxtaposes some ancient material with more modern and contemporary examples. In addition, it introduces the reader to various techniques used to manipulate the material, leading to a better appreciation for and understanding of the craftsmanship and skill necessary for the work’s production. Part II focuses on historical contexts, styles, and changing taste from the seventeenth through twentieth centuries.