‘All that Glitters’ exhibit at the Getty portrays life in the Renaissance Era

Madeline Tello

Staff Writer

The Getty Museum’s latest exhibit, “All that Glitters” showcases fascinating art and luxury items from the Renaissance and creatively displays items that brilliantly emphasize the wealth and extravagance that the royals possessed during the Renaissance.

The exhibit includes a variety of pieces, such as glassware, paintings and textiles that relate to the themes of royalty and wealth. The extensive descriptions that accompany each piece of artwork, along with organized display rooms, keep the art engaging and easy to follow.

Antoine Caron’s “Dionysius the Areopagite Converting the Pagan Philosophers” is a prime piece of art that presents religion and individualism, two ideals that people living in the Renaissance strived to balance. The painting portrays popular theologist, Dionysius the Areopagite, standing in the middle of a group of pagan Greek philosophers as he preaches Christianity to them. The art piece is painted with contrasting colors and captivates viewers with the attention to detail within the painting.

Another prominent sculpture in the exhibit is Conrat Meit’s “Head of a Man (Possibly Portrait of Cicero).” This sculpture shows how ancient philosophers integrated back into Renaissance life through conversation, education and art. The acceptance of Greco-Roman philosophers and their teachings began to grow during the Renaissance, and Meit’s sculpture displays their popularity. The piece is one of the most captivating works in the exhibit because it was made out of lighter colored stone than other sculptures, which catches the viewers eyes.

The gallery includes a substantial mix of paintings and sculptures that keep viewers enticed. However, due to its narrow pathway at certain sections, the exhibit is hard to navigate at times and is not a suitable exhibit for large groups.

“All that Glitters” is an entertaining exhibit for those interested in Renaissance art and is guaranteed to impress viewers with fascinating antiquities and vibrant artwork. The exhibit is filled with artwork that is both intriguing and informative, making it the prime exhibit for people looking to learn more about artwork in ancient times.

The Getty Museum is located at 1200 Getty Center Dr. “All that Glitters” is open until Dec. 2.