Treasures: Creation, Emulation & Imitation

From the earliest cave painters to the stars of today, artists have balanced invention with imitation. Imitation looks to nature - the human form or the shape of a flower - but artists also imitate each other. In some cases imitation is loose and a point of departure; in others it is exact but made as honest copies; and in yet others it is done to impersonate and to deceive. This seminar looks at a wide range of media from the Middle Ages to the 19th century including art treasures, the 18th century 'Porcelain Fever' of Augustus the Strong, the 19th century Arts & Crafts movement, royal sculptural collections, gold boxes and more, and will explore to what extent the works were creations, emulations or imitations.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The British Academy, 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, London, United Kingdom