Extravagant Objects: Jewelry and Objets d’Art from the Masterson Collection November 18, 2017–July 26, 2018
Designed by John Siddeley, made by Grant Macdonald, Model of a Venus Fly Trap, 1983, gold, amethyst, and diamonds, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the Rienzi Collection, gift of Mr. and Mrs. Harris Masterson III.
Portuguese, Parure, c. 1780–1820, gold with silver overlay, diamonds, and emeralds, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, gift of Mr. and Mrs. Harris Masterson III.
David Webb, Figure of a Leopard, 1966, gold, rubies, diamonds, and emeralds, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the Rienzi Collection, gift of Mr. and Mrs. Harris Masterson III.
Oscar Heyman & Bros., Inc., Lady’s Bracelet, 1938–39, sapphires, diamonds, and platinum mounting, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the Rienzi Collection, Museum purchase funded by Mr. and Mrs. Harris Masterson III.
David Webb, Figure of a Rhinoceros, 1966, ivory, gold, turquoises, and sapphires, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the Rienzi Collection, gift of Mr. and Mrs. Harris Masterson III.
Gübelin, Bracelet Watch, c. 1953, gold, diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and enamel, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, gift of Mr. and Mrs. Harris Masterson III.
Meissen Porcelain Manufactory, Etui, c. 1760, hard-paste porcelain and copper gilt, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the Rienzi Collection, gift of Mr. and Mrs. Harris Masterson III.
English, Counter Box, late 18th century, ivory, carnelian, silver, and tortoiseshell, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the Rienzi Colleciton, gift of Mr. and Mrs. Harris Masterson III.
David Webb, Purse, c. 1965, gold, sapphire, diamonds, rubies, and seashell, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the Rienzi Collection, gift of Mr. and Mrs. Harris Masterson III.
Rienzi, the MFAH house museum for European decorative arts, presents special exhibitions twice a year. Extravagant Objects: Jewelry and Objets d’Art from the Masterson Collection features a dazzling array that reflects the eclectic tastes of Carroll Sterling Masterson and Harris Masterson III, the former owners of Rienzi.
For centuries, jewelry and objets d’art—luxurious objects made of precious and exotic materials—have been sought after by royals, aristocrats, and the affluent to demonstrate status, wealth, power, and taste.
From small, personal, functional objects to bejeweled adornments and extravagant sculptures meant simply to delight the eye, these creations showcase the artistic vision and innovations of their time. The objects’ forms and functions, and the elaborate decoration, illustrate changes in social customs and artistic development over three centuries: the 18th to 20th. Extravagant Objects features examples by the House of Fabergé, Meissen Porcelain Manufactory, and David Webb, among others.
Extravagant Objects: Jewelry and Objets d’Art from the Masterson Collection | November 18, 2017–July 26, 2018
This exhibition is organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.