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Guggenheim Hermitage Museum
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 Robert Mapplethorpe and the Classical Tradition
October 23, 2006–February 18, 2007

Robert Mapplethorpe and the Classical Tradition, which premiered at the Deutsche Guggenheim in Berlin before traveling to St. Petersburg, Moscow, and New York, explores the relationship between Mapplethorpe's approach to the human figure and classical art through sixteenth century Mannerist prints. Organized by Germano Celant, Senior Curator of Contemporary Art at the Guggenheim, and Arkady Ippolitov, Curator of Italian Prints at the Hermitage, this collaborative exhibition pairs the dramatic yet graceful work of Flemish Mannerist engravings and woodcuts by artists such as Hendrick Goltzius, Jan Harmensz. Muller, Jacob Mathan, and Jan Saenredam from the Hermitage's superb collection with selections from the Guggenheim's and the Mapplethorpe Foundation's unmatched holdings of Mapplethorpe photographs.

TOP: Robert Mapplethorpe, Thomas, 1987. Gelatin-silver print, 18 7/8 x 18 7/8 inches. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, Gift, Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation. © Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation

BOTTOM: Hendrick Goltzius after Cornelis Cornelisz. van Haarlem, Phaeton, from The Four Disgracers, late 16th century, first state dated 1588. Engraving, diameter 12 15/16 inches. State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg