Drama and Pathos: Depicting the Human Condition

Since the earliest visual expressions, mankind has depicted the human form. Initially, in static representations, the ancient Greeks first introduced expressions of emotion. This tradition figures prominently in the work of European painters from the sixteenth century. At the same time, scenes of everyday life begin to appear. These practices, carry through to the nineteenth and early twentieth century where artist explore a wide range of emotional, sociological and psychological issues in their work. Drawing from works in the permanent collection, this exhibition explores the breath of actions and expressions that represents the human condition.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website.