Highlights from Sweet Briar’s art collection on display in Pannell

Workshop of Michael Wolgemut, “Solomon and the Queen of Sheba,” ca. 1483


All semester long, the Sweet Briar community will be able to admire some of the greatest treasures housed in the College’s permanent collection. “Highlights From the Sweet Briar Collection” opens with a reception at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 31, in Pannell Gallery and is on view through June 2.

“The exhibition represents a great sweep of art history, starting with a 15th-century illuminated manuscript page and concluding with a piece by the contemporary artist Toyin Ojih Odutola,” says Annie Labatt, galleries and museum director and associate professor of visual arts: history and image. “From Dürer, Rembrandt and Goya to Roy Lichtenstein, Judy Chicago, Carrie Mae Weems and Catherine Opie — the show will be an introduction to some of the greatest art-historical accomplishments, and the tremendous holdings in the collection here at Sweet Briar.”


Richard Emil Miller, “Sunny Morning,” 1930


As part of the programing, there will a 10-part lecture series. From 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. each Wednesday, beginning Feb. 6, Labatt will introduce one of the pieces in the exhibition.

“This will be an opportunity to gather and have an in-depth art historical conversation about the works of art right in front of the works of art,” Labatt explains. “These meetings will allow a consideration of big art-historical questions related to the work of art selected for that week: How was the piece made? Why was it made when it was? What audience was it meant for and how does it speak to our contemporary one?”

Additional lectures will be held Feb. 13, Feb. 20, Feb. 27, March 13, March 20, March 27, April 3, April 10 and April 17. Refreshments will be provided.

Pannell Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and by appointment. For more information, email Labatt at alabatt@sbc.edu.