Linsen Chai

Hidden Faces focuses on the widespread German and Italian Renaissance tradition of covered portraiture in the 5000 sq. ft. gallery of the Robert Lehman Wing. The exhibition depicts objects of intimate viewing, painted oftentimes on both sides, featuring the virtues or crests of their sitters on covers and rectos while sheltering their portraits from unwarranted eyes behind. Some of the pairings were thus reunite for the first time in this groundbreaking exhibition.

The display of these intricate objects, with some reverses never shown before, proved to be the main challenge of this project. In a careful orchestration between lending institutions, our painting conservators, and mount makers, we devised a double-sided pedestal design and mounting system which accommodated the various requirements as well as harmonizing viewing heights of all the paintings optimizing legibility. Visitors could then engage in close viewing of the art and being able at a glace to connect with all the portraits and their reverses simultaneously while navigating the gallery space.

The gallery space itself posed the challenge of directionality and rhythm in its existing configuration. Directing the visitors and highlighting certain works was achieved through the construction of portal/walls with internally-lit niches as well as large graphic wallpapers.

This exhibition was also reported on by major publications such at The New York Times, The Guardian, and Hyperallergic