A Rich and Varied Culture: The Material World of the Early South
On view in the Nancy N. and Colin G. Campbell Gallery
This exhibition was made possible through the generosity of Carolyn and Michael McNamara.
This wide-ranging exhibition explores and celebrates the remarkable art and antiques that were created in or imported to the Chesapeake, the Carolina Lowcountry, and the Backcountry between 1670 and 1840. Produced in conjunction with two dozen partner institutions and private collectors, A Rich and Varied Culture highlights the aesthetic diversity brought to these three regions of the early South by the disparate cultural and ethnic traditions that ultimately defined a unique, early southern style.
On view are some 350 examples of furniture, paintings, ceramics and glass, silver, jewelry, iron, firearms, costume, architectural elements, archaeological artifacts, and much more. Together these compelling artifacts beautifully represent early populations in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Louisiana.
Squirrel Flask, possibly by Rudolph Christ, America, North Carolina, Salem, ca. 1820, earthenware, lead-glaze, 5 ¼ x 4 ¼ in, 2005.900.1
Portrait of Francina Elizabeth Cox Greer and her daughter Elizabeth Mentoria, America, Georgia, 1838-1839, oil on canvas, 30 9/16 x 25 ⅝in, Museum Purchase, in memory of Virginia R. Ericson, given by her daughter, Loretta J. Roman, 2013.100.1,A
Double Chest of Drawers, America, South Carolina, Charleston, 1765-1780, mahogany, bald cypress, 89⅝ x 44½ x 24⅜in, 1974-166
Coffee and Tea Service, maker Jeremiah Andrews, America, Norfolk, Virginia, ca. 1792-1805, silver, Museum Purchase, The Friends of Colonial Williamsburg Collections Fund, 2004-121, 2004-122,1-3, 2004-123
Blanket Chest, by Johannes Spitler, America, Virginia, Shenandoah County, 1800-1805, yellow pine, chestnut, brass, iron, paint, 27½ x 48½ x 21¾ in, 1990.2000.1
Double Chest of Drawers (overview and detail), America, South Carolina, Charleston, 1765-1780, mahogany, bald cypress, 89⅝ x 44½ x 24⅜in, 1974-166
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