Style and purpose is show’s theme

     (PNAN-ME) – From portraits and figure studies to landscapes and architectural studies, “European Drawings” at the Portland Museum of Art is an exhibition that will showcase a spectrum of styles, ranging from an 18th-century caricature to elegant architectural designs, and will demonstrate how drawings were used for many different purposes.

     The show will highlight the work of French artists such as Jean François Millet and Honoré Daumier; British masters like architectural draughtsman Samuel Prout; and German Expressionist George Grosz. On view from Saturday, March 26 through May 22, the show is also part “Where to Draw the Line: The Maine Drawing Project,” a statewide collaboration of 20 arts organizations that will present exhibitions dedicated to the medium of drawing throughout 2011.

     The exhibit boasts of 30 works from the Museum’s permanent collection and on loan from private collectors, will also feature a portrait of the Honorable Frederick Sylvester North Douglas, Son of Lord and Lady Glenbervie (1815) by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, who was noted as one of the most formidable draughtsmen of his time. The drawing dates from an important period in Ingres’ lifetime, considered by many scholars as the apogee of his career.

     Another feature is a drawing by British artist Edward Lear, who was not only a distinguished draughtsman, but also the author of the “Owl and the Pussycat.” The drawing dates from the time Lear spent traveling around the Mediterranean, where he was particularly struck by the forests of pine trees.

     Works on paper from the 20th century are included as well, such as “Paysage” (1910) by André Derain, who with fellow artist Matisse, were one of the most preeminent Fauve painters. They traveled to the south of France to paint vivid views of the landscape.

     For more information, call 207.775.6148 or see: www.portlandmuseum.org.

European DrawingsMainePortland Museum of Art