Precious gifts: images and objects from the museum's collection - Buonconsiglio Castle, Trento

This exhibition presents a comprehensive selection of precious works of art from the Buonconsiglio Castle museum collection, all united by one common theme: that of the gift as portrayed in art.  Starting from the emblematic image of the Three Graces, the ancient symbol of “giving, receiving and reciprocating”, there follow objects wrought in glass, ceramic, porcelain, ivory and silver as well as textiles, carvings and paintings, all of which are presented as key to an understanding of a society that used gifts as tokens of both private affection and as instruments of delicate diplomatic relations between regal dynasties and aristocratic houses, as individual manifestations of hospitality and of Christian values.

A journey through time, then, and an insight into some of the more significant customs of the past, from nuptial gifts, such as the priceless chalice in Murano milk glass, the carved dowry chests, delicate fans and elegant medallions, to Christening presents for the first-born, and to gifts catering to new social customs such as luxurious snuffboxes and the small yet beguiling tobacco graters.

Objects, both beautiful and at times intriguing for our time, represent a ‘culture of giving’ that the unsuspecting benefactors have left behind them for posterity,  alongside which are placed paintings such as the Three Wise Men or the shepherds offering their symbolic gifts to the infant Jesus, or Saint Martin offering his cloak to the pauper.  These are but a few of the works of art that can be seen until the 22^nd March 2015, an opportunity to see items that are not normally shown in the museum itinerary and is thus a chance to rediscover the rich heritage of Buonconsiglio Castle. 

During viewings, the museum’s Educational Service will propose various themed activities for children and the whole family.

source www.buonconsiglio.it