Imagination in the Age of Reason

Although the Enlightenment period in Europe (about 1685–1815) has long been celebrated as “the age of reason,” it was also a time of imagination when artists across Europe incorporated elements of fantasy and folly into their work in creative new ways. Imagination in the Age of Reason, pulled from the CMA’s rich holdings of 18th-century European prints and drawings, explores the complex relationship between imagination and the Enlightenment’s ideals of truth and knowledge.

During this unprecedented time, artists used their imaginations in multifaceted ways to depict, understand, and critique the world around them. The Enlightenment adopted a revolutionary emphasis on individual liberty, direct observation, and rational thought. The exhibition presents an exceptional opportunity to see exciting recent acquisitions on view for the first time as well as rarely shown collection highlights, including prints and drawings by Canaletto and Goya and a pastel portrait by Swiss artist Jean-Étienne Liotard. ✨Calling all foodies + fierce supporters of women-owned / women-led Cleveland businesses!✨
Get ready to snack, sip, shop, and celebrate at the Female Foodie Spring Market with the Wonder Women of Food! 🦸‍♀️🍓🥂

Join us at The Hildebrandt Building for a night of:
🌸 Delicious samples from women-led food brands
🛍️ A WWoF tote bag to carry your treats
🍹A bevvy included with your ticket
💃 Mingling with Cleveland’s coolest foodies

Let’s show up and show love for our city’s amazing female entrepreneurs. 🎉

🗓️ Saturday, April 26 — 5-8pm Although the Enlightenment period in Europe (about 1685–1815) has long been celebrated as “the age of reason,” it was also a time of imagination when artists across Europe incorporated elements of fantasy and folly into their work in creative new ways. Imagination in the Age of Reason, pulled from the CMA’s rich holdings of 18th-century European prints and drawings, explores the complex relationship between imagination and the Enlightenment’s ideals of truth and knowledge.

During this unprecedented time, artists used their imaginations in multifaceted ways to depict, understand, and critique the world around them. The Enlightenment adopted a revolutionary emphasis on individual liberty, direct observation, and rational thought. The exhibition presents an exceptional opportunity to see exciting recent acquisitions on view for the first time as well as rarely shown collection highlights, including prints and drawings by Canaletto and Goya and a pastel portrait by Swiss artist Jean-Étienne Liotard.

Start: December 14, 2024 10:00 am
End: March 1, 2025 5:00 pm

Cleveland Museum of Art
Address:
11150 East Blvd.
Cleveland, OH – 44106-1797

Admission Price: Free

Link to more info