Master Pieces: Chess Sets from the Dr. George and Vivian Dean Collection
Master Pieces: Chess Sets from the Dr. George and Vivian Dean Collection includes more than two dozen sets from the world-renowned collection of Dr. George and Vivian Dean. Ranging from the 16th to the 20th centuries, these chess sets represent exquisite examples from Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the United States. It will be on display from Dec. 26, 2008 until May 17, 2009.
Featuring a wide range of materials and designs, the pieces and boards demonstrate how differently artists throughout history and across the globe have interpreted the game of chess. The artists' superb craftsmanship and creativity are explored, with sections featuring ivory and porcelain examples, including sets by Sèvres and Meissen. Some sets include tiny insects, sea creatures, and a variety of precious bejeweled objects.
Several themes are explored in the exhibition, including the ideological oppositions that the game of chess has been used to evoke, such as Good vs. Evil or Communism vs. Capitalism; the fascinating stories of set ownership, such as one commissioned from Fabergé and another once owned by Catherine the Great; and the variety of artistic styles, including abstract and modern. Some of the modern artists featured are Man Ray and Salvador Dalí.
This exhibition has been generously supported by Dr. George and Vivian Dean. Additional support has been provided by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the City of Detroit.
Click here for a list of exhibition events
Download Master Pieces press release
Download Dr. and Mrs. Dean article from the University of Michigan Medical School Professorship Booklet
Download Master Pieces thumbnails and captions sheet
Click the thumbnails below to view larger versions of the gallery photos.
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Amber Chess Set and Board, around 1750, German craftsmen at Court of Catherine the Great, Russia. Pieces: amber; Board: amber squares and ebony frame. |
Amber Chess Set and Board, around 1750, German craftsmen at Court of Catherine the Great, Russia. Pieces: amber; Board: amber squares and ebony frame. |
Sea Life Chess Set and Board, about 1925, Max Esser, German, Meissen Manufactory, Germany. Porcelain with enamel decoration. |
Sea Life Chess Set and Board, about 1925, Max Esser, German, Meissen Manufactory, Germany. Porcelain with enamel decoration. |
Capitalists v. Communists, 1923, Natalia Danko and Yelena Danko, Russian, Lomonosov State Porcelain Factory, Leningrad. Porcelain with polychrome enamels and gilding. |
Capitalists v. Communists, 1923, Natalia Danko and Yelena Danko, Russian, Lomonosov State Porcelain Factory, Leningrad. Porcelain with polychrome enamels and gilding. |
Insect Chess Set, 18th century, unknown maker, Italian. Ivory and ebony. |
Insect Chess Set, 18th century, unknown maker, Italian. Ivory and ebony. |
Fabergé Chess Set and Board, around 1905, Karl Gustav Hjalmar Armfelt, Finnish, Fabergé, St. Petersburg. Pieces: Kalagan jasper, aventurine quartz, silver; Board: silver-mounted Siberian jade and apricot serpentine. |
Fabergé Chess Set and Board, around 1905, Karl Gustav Hjalmar Armfelt, Finnish, Fabergé, St. Petersburg. Pieces: Kalagan jasper, aventurine quartz, silver; Board: silver-mounted Siberian jade and apricot serpentine. |
Chessgame Homage to Marcel Duchamp Chess Set, 1964, Salvador Dalí, Spanish. Silver and silver gilt. |
Chessgame Homage to Marcel Duchamp Chess Set, 1964, Salvador Dalí, Spanish. Silver and silver gilt. |
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