“Extravagant Objects: Jewelry and Objets d’Art from the Masterson Collection” at Rienzi

Title
Extravagant Objects: Jewelry and Objets d’Art from the Masterson Collection at Rienzi

Dates
November 18, 2017–July 29, 2018 • Changed from March 18 as of January 2018

Overview
Extravagant Objects: Jewelry and Objets d’Art from the Masterson Collection features a dazzling array of objets d’art and jewelry that reflect the eclectic tastes of Carroll Sterling Masterson and Harris Masterson III, the former owners of Rienzi. For centuries, jewelry and objets d’art, or luxurious objects made of precious and exotic materials, have been sought after by royals, aristocrats, and the wealthy 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 reflect the artistic vision and innovations of their time. The forms and functions of these objects and their elaborate decoration illustrate the changes in both social customs and artistic development over three centuries. Find out more at mfah.org/rienziexhibitions.

Location
Rienzi, 1406 Kirby Drive

Organization
This exhibition is organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

Background
Rienzi, the MFAH house museum for European decorative arts, is the former home of philanthropists Carroll Sterling Masterson and Harris Masterson III. Opened to the public in 1999, Rienzi houses a substantial collection of European decorative arts, paintings, furnishings, and porcelain, and an extensive holding of miniatures. Rienzi welcomes some 19,000 visitors each year for tours, family programs, lectures, concerts, and a variety of special events.

Media Contact
Sarah Hobson, publicist
713.800.5345 / shobson@mfah.org